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Annual Report 2007 MEXICHEM is a Mexican group of chemical and petrochemical companies that are leaders in the Latin American market, have annual sales of nearly USD2.2 billion, and export to more than 50 countries. With more than 50 years of growth and 29 years on the Mexican stock exchange, we actively contribute to the development of the country, as our principal products have a broad market in the most dynamic growth sectors— construction, housing, infrastructure, potable water, urban sewage, and irrigation systems—in Mexico and throughout Latin America. Mexichem is one of the five most efficient producers in the world. We have the most important chlorine, soda, and PVC plants in Latin America, a region in which we are also the top producer of PVC resins. We possess the largest fluorite Mexichem Annual Report 2007 mine in the world, in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, and we are the only integrated producer of our raw materials in Mexico and the largest integrated producer of hydrofluoric acid in America. Thanks to recently announced acquisitions, we are the principal producer of PVC pipe in Latin America; we own plants in 14 countries and market our products throughout virtually the entire region. Currently, the strategic position of the group is focused on the chemical and petrochemical sector through three producing chains: the Chlorine-Vinyl Chain, the Fluorine Chain, and the Transformed Products chain, which includes styrene products, compounds, and pipe. Sales MXN23,017 million 55% Transformed products 36% Chlorine-Vinyl 9% Fluorine Table of Contents Corporate Offices Río San Javier 10 Fraccionamiento Viveros del Río Tlalnepantla, Estado de México C.P. 54060 Tel. 52+ (55) 53 66 40 00 Fax. 52+ (55) 53 97 88 36 www.mexichem.com vision 20/20 20 We make chemistry the cornerstone of construction 01 02 03 04 06 08 10 14 16 17 20 22 23 24 Introduction Financial highlights Relevant events Message to shareholders Leadership position Geographic coverage Market potential Efficiency and growth Social responsibility Analysis and discussion of results Share information Board of directors Corporate governance Audited financial statements EBITDA MXN4,354 million 39% 40% 21% Transformed products Chlorine-Vinyl Fluorine Annual Report 2007 MEXICHEM is a Mexican group of chemical and petrochemical companies that are leaders in the Latin American market, have annual sales of nearly USD2.2 billion, and export to more than 50 countries. With more than 50 years of growth and 29 years on the Mexican stock exchange, we actively contribute to the development of the country, as our principal products have a broad market in the most dynamic growth sectors— construction, housing, infrastructure, potable water, urban sewage, and irrigation systems—in Mexico and throughout Latin America. Mexichem is one of the five most efficient producers in the world. We have the most important chlorine, soda, and PVC plants in Latin America, a region in which we are also the top producer of PVC resins. We possess the largest fluorite Mexichem Annual Report 2007 mine in the world, in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, and we are the only integrated producer of our raw materials in Mexico and the largest integrated producer of hydrofluoric acid in America. Thanks to recently announced acquisitions, we are the principal producer of PVC pipe in Latin America; we own plants in 14 countries and market our products throughout virtually the entire region. Currently, the strategic position of the group is focused on the chemical and petrochemical sector through three producing chains: the Chlorine-Vinyl Chain, the Fluorine Chain, and the Transformed Products chain, which includes styrene products, compounds, and pipe. Sales MXN23,017 million 55% Transformed products 36% Chlorine-Vinyl 9% Fluorine Table of Contents Corporate Offices Río San Javier 10 Fraccionamiento Viveros del Río Tlalnepantla, Estado de México C.P. 54060 Tel. 52+ (55) 53 66 40 00 Fax. 52+ (55) 53 97 88 36 www.mexichem.com vision 20/20 20 We make chemistry the cornerstone of construction 01 02 03 04 06 08 10 14 16 17 20 22 23 24 Introduction Financial highlights Relevant events Message to shareholders Leadership position Geographic coverage Market potential Efficiency and growth Social responsibility Analysis and discussion of results Share information Board of directors Corporate governance Audited financial statements EBITDA MXN4,354 million 39% 40% 21% Transformed products Chlorine-Vinyl Fluorine Design: www.signi.com.mx 1,664.6 1,299.4 1,256.6 364.4 8,331.1 6,375.8 MEXCHEM 28.1 % increase in operating income 03 04 05 06 07 Sales Fluorine Chain 04 05 06 07 1,858.9 2,086.7 225.9 367.3 424.6 707.8 780.9 MXN millions 03 04 05 06 07 03 04 05 06 07 % increase in sales 10.3 Subscription date September 1978 Number of outstanding shares 548.8 million Independent auditor Galaz, Yamazaki, Ruiz Urquiza, S.C. Member of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Operating income Fluorine Chain MXN millions 12.3 03 1,498.3 Acid-grade fluorspar is a concentrated mineral from which some impurities have been eliminated. When combined with sulfuric acid, which comes from sulfur, this fluorite is used in the manufacture of hydrofluoric acid. Hydrofluoric acid is utilized primarily in the manufacture of refrigerant gases for air conditioners, refrigerators, and freezers. It is also is used as a propellant in gasoline; for pickling stainless steel; to make nuclear fuels, integrated circuits, and Teflon coatings; and to produce fluoridated salts, including lithium salts used in batteries and sodium-fluoride salts used in toothpaste. Markets where quoted Mexican stock exchange, Bolsa Mexicana de Valores (BMV), Mexico Ticker symbol on the BMV increase in sales Fluorine Chain Calcium fluoride, better known as fluorspar, is a nonmetallic mineral which, in its essential function as a flux, is considered metallurgical grade. In its natural form, this mineral, extracted from the earth, is used to provide significant energy savings in the steel, cement, glass, and ceramic industries. MXN millions 6,297.4 % 2,535.4 30.7 2,045.0 MXN millions 1,101.2 Soda is used to manufacture soap, shampoo, cream, and detergent and is also used for water treatment. Chlorine is used to produce cleaners, purify water, disinfect floors and walls, bleach paper, and to make white pigments. Our acquisition of the Colombian company Prodesal allows us to maintain balance in each link of the chain and continue to grow in those regions and product lines that bring us the highest profit potential. Operating income Chlorine-Vinyl Chain 564.8 Salt is the origin of the chlorine-vinyl chain, which we convert into chlorine and soda. We add value to chlorine through the vinyl chloride monomer (VCM), ethylene plus chlorine, which, when converted to PVC, is used to make many different products. PVC is used predominately in housing and infrastructure construction; for example, it is used to make pipe, which is used in homes as well as in large-diameter water and drainage pipes, and also to manufacture cable coatings, window frames, doors, floors, kitchen coatings, closets, bathrooms, ceilings, facades, and many other products. Sales Chlorine-Vinyl Chain 234.1 Chlorine-Vinyl Chain Investor Relations Enrique Ortega Prieto Director of Strategic Planning and Investor Relations Tel. 52 (55) 53 66 40 65 Fax. 52 (55) 53 97 88 36 eortega@mexichem.com % increase in operating income Our Transformed Products processes include the manufacture of plasticizers and phthalic anhydride. Because phthalic anhydride is the primary raw material for plasticizers and the manufacture of styrene, both laminated and expanded, Mexichem uses phthalic anhydride to create its own manufacturing chain. Applications for laminated polystyrene include products such as illuminated bus stop signs, and decorative applications include products such as translucent or opaque laminates. One of the principal applications of expanded polystyrene is to lighten the weight of concrete slabs in construction. % 215.0 191.3 34.5 25.9 12,599.5 MXN millions 2,182.4 MXN millions 1,823.4 Operating income Transformed Products 383.4 477.3 Sales Transformed Products 287.5 This chain integrates the processes and products with the highest aggregate value, such as PVC compounds and products made to client specifications to be transformed into final products, such as cable coatings, blood or dialysis bags, films, toys, and other products. These products are formulated with other additives to meet the desired characteristics of the final product and for optimal processing in the clients’ equipment. The most important product in this chain, however, is PVC pipe, which we produce for all of Latin America and which provides for the development and well-being of millions of people. Even when the pipe is made with different plastic or polymers, the most widely used is PVC. Given that Mexichem is the largest integrated producer of PVC in Latin America, our market position is outstanding. 1,154.3 Transformed Products Chain increase in sales 436.9 % increase in operating income 03 04 05 06 07 03 04 05 06 07 This document contains certain statements about the general information of MEXICHEM, S.A.B. de C.V. (Mexichem), regarding its activities today. This document includes a summary of information about Mexichem, which is not intended to cover all information related to the company. This information was not included to give specific advice to investors. The statements contained herein reflect the current vision of Mexichem with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Several factors could cause future results, performance, or achievements of Mexichem to differ from those expressed or assumed in the following statements. If one or more of these risks were to occur, or the assumptions or estimates are proved incorrect, the results in the future could vary significantly from those described, anticipated, alleged, estimated, expected, or budgeted. Mexichem does not intend to update the statements presented below nor does it assume any obligation to do so. Design: www.signi.com.mx 1,664.6 1,299.4 1,256.6 364.4 8,331.1 6,375.8 MEXCHEM 28.1 % increase in operating income 03 04 05 06 07 Sales Fluorine Chain 04 05 06 07 1,858.9 2,086.7 225.9 367.3 424.6 707.8 780.9 MXN millions 03 04 05 06 07 03 04 05 06 07 % increase in sales 10.3 Subscription date September 1978 Number of outstanding shares 548.8 million Independent auditor Galaz, Yamazaki, Ruiz Urquiza, S.C. Member of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Operating income Fluorine Chain MXN millions 12.3 03 1,498.3 Acid-grade fluorspar is a concentrated mineral from which some impurities have been eliminated. When combined with sulfuric acid, which comes from sulfur, this fluorite is used in the manufacture of hydrofluoric acid. Hydrofluoric acid is utilized primarily in the manufacture of refrigerant gases for air conditioners, refrigerators, and freezers. It is also is used as a propellant in gasoline; for pickling stainless steel; to make nuclear fuels, integrated circuits, and Teflon coatings; and to produce fluoridated salts, including lithium salts used in batteries and sodium-fluoride salts used in toothpaste. Markets where quoted Mexican stock exchange, Bolsa Mexicana de Valores (BMV), Mexico Ticker symbol on the BMV increase in sales Fluorine Chain Calcium fluoride, better known as fluorspar, is a nonmetallic mineral which, in its essential function as a flux, is considered metallurgical grade. In its natural form, this mineral, extracted from the earth, is used to provide significant energy savings in the steel, cement, glass, and ceramic industries. MXN millions 6,297.4 % 2,535.4 30.7 2,045.0 MXN millions 1,101.2 Soda is used to manufacture soap, shampoo, cream, and detergent and is also used for water treatment. Chlorine is used to produce cleaners, purify water, disinfect floors and walls, bleach paper, and to make white pigments. Our acquisition of the Colombian company Prodesal allows us to maintain balance in each link of the chain and continue to grow in those regions and product lines that bring us the highest profit potential. Operating income Chlorine-Vinyl Chain 564.8 Salt is the origin of the chlorine-vinyl chain, which we convert into chlorine and soda. We add value to chlorine through the vinyl chloride monomer (VCM), ethylene plus chlorine, which, when converted to PVC, is used to make many different products. PVC is used predominately in housing and infrastructure construction; for example, it is used to make pipe, which is used in homes as well as in large-diameter water and drainage pipes, and also to manufacture cable coatings, window frames, doors, floors, kitchen coatings, closets, bathrooms, ceilings, facades, and many other products. Sales Chlorine-Vinyl Chain 234.1 Chlorine-Vinyl Chain Investor Relations Enrique Ortega Prieto Director of Strategic Planning and Investor Relations Tel. 52 (55) 53 66 40 65 Fax. 52 (55) 53 97 88 36 eortega@mexichem.com % increase in operating income Our Transformed Products processes include the manufacture of plasticizers and phthalic anhydride. Because phthalic anhydride is the primary raw material for plasticizers and the manufacture of styrene, both laminated and expanded, Mexichem uses phthalic anhydride to create its own manufacturing chain. Applications for laminated polystyrene include products such as illuminated bus stop signs, and decorative applications include products such as translucent or opaque laminates. One of the principal applications of expanded polystyrene is to lighten the weight of concrete slabs in construction. % 215.0 191.3 34.5 25.9 12,599.5 MXN millions 2,182.4 MXN millions 1,823.4 Operating income Transformed Products 383.4 477.3 Sales Transformed Products 287.5 This chain integrates the processes and products with the highest aggregate value, such as PVC compounds and products made to client specifications to be transformed into final products, such as cable coatings, blood or dialysis bags, films, toys, and other products. These products are formulated with other additives to meet the desired characteristics of the final product and for optimal processing in the clients’ equipment. The most important product in this chain, however, is PVC pipe, which we produce for all of Latin America and which provides for the development and well-being of millions of people. Even when the pipe is made with different plastic or polymers, the most widely used is PVC. Given that Mexichem is the largest integrated producer of PVC in Latin America, our market position is outstanding. 1,154.3 Transformed Products Chain increase in sales 436.9 % increase in operating income 03 04 05 06 07 03 04 05 06 07 This document contains certain statements about the general information of MEXICHEM, S.A.B. de C.V. (Mexichem), regarding its activities today. This document includes a summary of information about Mexichem, which is not intended to cover all information related to the company. This information was not included to give specific advice to investors. The statements contained herein reflect the current vision of Mexichem with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Several factors could cause future results, performance, or achievements of Mexichem to differ from those expressed or assumed in the following statements. If one or more of these risks were to occur, or the assumptions or estimates are proved incorrect, the results in the future could vary significantly from those described, anticipated, alleged, estimated, expected, or budgeted. Mexichem does not intend to update the statements presented below nor does it assume any obligation to do so. Our strategy is characterized by a clear vision that guides the company and allows the discovery of new horizons and new challenges. Our vision has established growth, efficiency, and profitability as the three fundamental drivers of our business, with annual growth of 20% in sales, 20% in EBITDA, and 20% in return on equity. This, what we call our 20/20/20 vision, is an allusion to 20/20, that indicator of perfect vision in human beings. With this focus, we have not only reached our planned goals. We have exceeded them with a five-year consolidated annual growth rate in sales, in dollar terms, of 48.83%; in EBITDA of 67.37%; and in return on equity (ROE) of 21.7%. 1 Financial highlights Mexichem, S.A.B. de C.V., in millions of constant pesos as of December 31, 2007 2007 2006 Variation $ 10,417 121% Net sales $ 23,017 Gross profit 7,460 3,082 142% Net majority income 1,823 1,188 53% Operating cash flow (EBITDA) 4,354 2,485 75% Free cash flow 5,281 3,447 53% Total assets $ 25,077 $ 10,812 132% Cash and short-term investments 1,551 437 255% Clients 4,549 1,876 142% Inventories 2,653 850 212% Other liquid assets 570 1,028 -45% Long-term assets 15,755 6,619 138% $ 5,804 191% Current liabilities 8,381 3,705 126% Long-term liabilities 8,534 2,099 307% Consolidated stockholders’ equity 8,162 $ 5,007 101% 67 189 -65% 8,095 4,818 68% Total liabilities $ 16,915 $ Minority interest Majority interest 2 February: Acquisition of Grupo Amanco (Amanco), a leading conglomerate in Latin America in the production and sale of solutions for conducting fluids, primarily water. Amanco markets its products through 55 thousand points of sale in 29 countries in Latin America, a region in which it owns 19 production plants in 14 countries. In 2006 Amanco’s sales reached USD800 million. 23,017 10,417 9,816 4,180 3,071 Relevant events 2007 March: Announcement of the acquisition of Petroquímica Colombiana (Petco), which is dedicated to the production of PVC resins and markets its products in various countries around the world. In 2006 its sales were USD375 million. +121 % 07 Sales million pesos +64% 07 Operating income million pesos 5,281 06 3,447 05 1,805 04 1,172 692 03 +53% 03 04 05 06 07 June: Debt prepayment of USD158 million, out of the USD700 million contracted for the acquisitions of Grupo Amanco and Petco. July: Acceptance of the issue of mandatory convertible share obligations, up to USD200 million. // Payment of dividend, in kind, with the shares of Dermet, S.A.B. de C.V., at the rate of one share of Dermet for approximately 5.08 shares of Mexichem. // Acquisition of 50% of the shares of Geon Andina; the other 50% is owned by PolyOne Corporation, a world leader in the manufacture of composites. 3,270 06 1,998 05 1,662 04 676 464 03 May: Capital increase equivalent to 12%, from 490 million to 548.8 million shares. Free cash flow million pesos October: Cancellation of issuance of mandatory convertible share obligations. 2008 January: Acquisition of Plastubos, a Brazilian company dedicated to the manufacture of PVC pipe; this acquisition increases Mexichem’s share of the Brazilian market to 32%. // Acquisition of Dripsa, an Argentine company that manufactures pipe for the agricultural sector, and the creation of Mexichem Soluciones Agrícolas, a new subsidiary that incorporates the part of Amanco dedicated to this sector. The objective of this subsidiary is to provide solutions for the transportation of water in the biofuel and food sectors throughout Latin America. February: Execution of framework agreement for the acquisition of Prodesal, a Colombian company dedicated to the manufacture and marketing of salt for human and industrial consumption, chlorine soda, and chlorate derivatives. March: Execution of agreement for the acquisition of Tubos Flexibles, S.A. de C.V., a Mexican company that has been in the market for more than 50 years and that owns four plants that produce and market pipe and fittings made of PVC, CPVC, polyethylene, and polypropylene. 3 Message to shareholders For Mexichem, 2007 was an excellent year; as we have done year after year, we surpassed all expectations. In fact, in this, the best year in our brief history, we exceeded our 2006 results by a broad margin. T he global environment changed dramatically during the fourth quarter of 2007, with the subprime crisis in the United States having serious effects on several global financial institutions. As a result, the high growth experienced in recent years in the United States now gives way to the threat of a recession, which could significantly impact the world economy. This turn of events places all countries on alert. For the first time in history, the emerging economies, in particular those of the so-called BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, and China), could become the new drivers of the world economy. The dollar’s weakness with respect to other currencies has caused changes in funding mechanisms and reserves in many countries. In general, increased oil and rawmaterial prices have limited global economic growth. The threat of a recession in the United States has begun to reduce economic growth in Mexico but also marks an opportunity for Mexico to become part of the solution. During 2007 the Mexican economy developed in a stable environment, with inflation of 3.76%—again, less than that of the United States—and the peso/dollar exchange rate experiencing no significant change. GDP growth is barely 3.2%, however, and considerably less than the country needs. The expectation for 2008 is for even slower growth. Oil prices reached historical highs during the year and kept the prices of raw materials higher than those seen in 2006. The price of gas was reduced, although it should be noted that natural gas in North America is the most expensive in the world, which makes us less competitive than the Asian and Middle Eastern economies. 4 For Mexichem, 2007 was an excellent year; as we have done year after year, we surpassed all expectations. In fact, in this, the best year in our brief history, we exceeded our 2006 results by a broad margin. Thanks to the acquisitions of Amanco and Petco, sales more than doubled over that of the previous year. And due to synergies from these acquisitions, Amanco generated EBITDA of USD140 million, compared with USD83 million in 2006. For Petco, EBITDA increased from USD33 million in 2006 to USD55 million in 2007. Mexichem’s EBITDA in 2007 was slightly less than USD400 million, which is 75% higher than in 2006. Operating income increased: 64% Net earnings increased: 55% to MXN1.842 billion, MXN3.44 per share. We have announced the creation of a new subsidiary, Mexichem Soluciones Agrícolas, which focuses on offering integrated projects for handling water in the field. In addition, we recently made acquisitions in Brazil, Peru, and Colombia with a view toward improving our market position in those countries. visión 20/20 20 Operational efficiency and our responsibility to the environment are also fundamental themes to which we have devoted our attention. Examples include the upgrading of our chlorine installations in Santa Clara and the operational and energy efficiency programs we implemented in all of our plants, which have generated significant savings and allowed us to maintain our margins despite increased energy prices. Similarly, we make social and environmental responsibility a part of our daily operations in order to meet and exceed the standards that apply to our activities and to help the communities in which our plants are located. As a result, we recently received certification as a “Socially Responsible Company”, granted annually by Cemefi, the most important Mexican organization for the promotion of corporate social responsibility. We have maintained a solid financial structure that is flexible enough to support our plans for growth. In accordance with our commitment, our net-debt-to-EBITDA ratio was 1.63 times at the end of the year, well below our established goal of 2.0 times. In May, we successfully increased our capital by USD158 million and applied that increase mainly to advance payment of our debt and an additional amortization of USD219 million, so that we reduced debt by USD377 million between March and December. Quotations, which lists the 35 issuers with the highest market exposure. Thanks to good operational and financial results, our share price rose from MXN18.85 in late 2006 to MXN43.61 in late 2007, an increase of 131%. The year 2008 brings new and interesting challenges. We will continue to monitor and seek favorable solutions to global market and environment complexities, while pursuing aggressive growth and expansion plans and geographic and cultural diversity for our businesses. I wish to thank our shareholders, clients, suppliers, and financial institutions, and the communities in which we operate, for the confidence they have placed in us. Mexichem’s directors and employees deserve special mention for making ours a leadingedge company. Many thanks to each of them. In 2007 we made an extraordinary effort to position Mexichem as the leading issuer in the chemical and petrochemical sector on the Mexican Stock Exchange. That effort resulted in our Antonio del Valle Ruiz inclusion in the Mexican Stock Exchange Index of Prices and Chairman of the Board of Directors 5 Leadership Position “ 6 To be a leader is an attitude, a commitment to everything we do. Day to day we strive for the vision and the will to reach where we want to go and to instill in others the passion that moves us. “ Arcenie Liliane Galindo Fischer Administrative assistant O ur extraordinary growth, guided by our 20/20/20 vision and driven by our strategy, has made Mexichem the indisputable leader in the production of chlorine soda and PVC in Latin America. With more than 800,000 tonnes per year of installed capacity, we are the top producer of PVC resins and the only integrated producer of hydrofluoric acid in the Americas, where we have the largest fluorite mine in the world and the second-largest hydrofluoric acid (HF) manufacturing plant. Mexichem is the leading manufacturer of composites and plasticizers in Mexico and the leading Latin American manufacturer and marketer of pipe. Leadership in Latin America Product Position Percentage Mexico PVC No. 1 56% Mexico Composites No. 1 36% Mexico Chlorine No. 1 83% Mexico Soda No. 1 54% Mexico Pipe No. 1 20% Ecuador Pipe No. 1 66% El Salvador Pipe No. 1 56% Colombia Pipe No. 1 55% Colombia PVC No. 1 80% Honduras Pipe No. 1 51% Panama Pipe No. 1 48% Guatemala Pipe No. 1 37% Venezuela Pipe No. 1 37% Argentina Pipe No. 1 31% Perú Pipe No. 1 17% Costa Rica Pipe No. 2 42% Nicaragua Pipe No. 2 40% Brazil Pipe No. 2 21% We are the leaders in the production of pipe throughout Latin America; pipe represents 41% of Mexichem’s sales. Our leadership position has allowed us to not only generate significant savings—thanks to the synergies derived from acquisitions, our geographic distribution, and the critical mass we have reached—but also set the standard in technological development of several products and processes that keep us at the forefront of our industry. With installed capacity of more than 800,000 tonnes annually, we are the largest producer of PVC resins and the only integrated producer of hydrofluoric acid in the Americas. Mexichem is the leading manufacturer of compounds and plasticizers in Mexico and the leading Latin American manufacturer and marketer of pipe. 7 Geographic Coverage “ Our presence throughout the Americas gives us a competitive advantage that is difficult to match. We have achieved risk distribution through market diversification, which reduces our dependency on the North American market. Ricardo Moreno Sales manager “ I n 2002 our geographic presence included Mexico and the United States, and we had plants in Jalisco, Veracruz, the State of Mexico, San Luis Potosí, and Texas. Thanks to our 20/20/20 vision, we have expanded our presence throughout the Americas; today we have production facilities not only in Mexico and the United States but also in Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Honduras, Panama, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Argentina, Chile, Brazil, and Peru. Our geographic presence covers a total of 14 countries in Latin America, a region on which we have focused due to its enormous growth potential, primarily in the construction sector. United States of America Mexico We have established a logistical and operational control center in Colombia, from which we centralize our operations in the Central-Southern region of South America. We are now strategically positioned in countries in the Northern region (Mexico), in the Central-Southern region (Colombia), and the Southern region (Brazil). Guatemala El Salvador Nicaragua Colombia Ecuador Peru 8 77% of our sales are made in Latin America; the other 23% are exported to nearly the entire world, including Europe. We have broad geographic coverage that positions us as a proven industry consolidator in countries in which the productive chains are not integrated and in which, thanks to our vertical integration, we have a competitive advantage because of synergies that provide greater efficiency. Honduras Panama Venezuela Brazil Chile Argentina Presence No presence Thanks to our 20/20/20 vision, we have expanded our presence throughout the Americas, and today we have production facilities in practically the entire Western Hemisphere. 9 Market potential “ Infrastructure in Mexico and Latin America is driving the region’s economy. Despite the possible recession in North America, sales of our products continue to grow, indicating that our clients’ businesses are also growing. “ Ramón Resendiz Shipments A s we have stated on other occasions, construction is the main driver of Mexichem’s business; nearly 70% of sales are related to this segment. In Latin America, the potential for growth is impressive, and countries such as Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela have enjoyed double-digit growth in housing, similar to that which Mexico has experienced and that is expected to continue over the next several years. Latin America has an opportunity to become a center for development, driven primarily by growth in infrastructure and housing. For example, the growth potential in sanitation is significant because slightly more than 21% of the inhabitants of this region—approximately 120 million people—do not have these services. Competitiveness of infrastructure 1 = little developed and inefficient 7 = among the best in the world (Source: World Economic Forum) 6.5 6.1 5.8 5.8 5.4 5.1 4.6 4.4 4.1 4.0 3.8 3.6 3.5 3.5 3.4 3.3 3.3 When we observe the growth potential and total sales by product, we see that slightly more than 80% is related to PVC. 10 Argentina (72) Brazil (71) Mexico (64) India (62) China (60) Uruguay (58) El Salvador (54) South Africa (49) Panama (46) Chile (35) Ireland (31) Malaysia (23) Korea (21) Canada (13) USA (12) Japan (7) Germany (1) Average: 3.7 In 2006 potable water coverage in rural areas was 72%, compared with 68% in 2000. In urban areas it is 95%, the same percentage as in 2000. Competitiveness of infrastructure in Latin America Competitiveness of infrastructure for potable water (2006) 1 = little developed and inefficient 7 = among the best in the world (Source: World Economic Forum) 1 = little developed and inefficient 7 = among the best in the world (Source: World Economic Forum) 4.9 4.4 4.1 3.8 3.8 3.6 3.4 3.3 3.3 3.2 3.2 2.8 2.7 9.2 8.5 7.0 6.4 5.2 4.8 4.3 Average: 3.7 Venezuela (21) Mexico (17) Peru (14) Brazil (9) Argentina (5) Colombia (2) Chile (1) Ecuador (94) Venezuela (84) Colombia (75) Costa Rica (73) Argentina (72) Brazil (71) Mexico (64) Uruguay (58) El Salvador (54) Jamaica (53) Panama (46) Chile (35) Barbados (28) Average: 5.8 When we observe the growth potential and the total sales by product, we see that slightly more than 80% is related to PVC. Worldwide, 55% of PVC is used in pipe. Accordingly, our strategy—to acquire Amanco to support the entire vinyl-chlorine productive chain—enables us to tap into this growth potential. Amanco’s product has a high aggregate value and enormous growth potential due to its role in the construction of infrastructure and housing. Sales by product 41% Pipe 31% PVC 12% Composites 4% Soda 4% HF 4% Fluorite 3% Chlorine 1% Derivatives 11 The agricultural sector is becoming another important pillar of developmen t for Latin American countries; Mexico currently has 6.5 million hectares under irrigation. Sector Total 287 4 Railroads 49 8 Ports 71 Airports 59 10 12 Telecommunications 283 47 Potable water and drainage 154 26 48 380 63 Production of hydrocarbons 822 137 Refining, gas, and petrochemicals 379 63 Venezuela Argentina Mexico 120.6 90.0 76.9 62.0 42.2 40.9 18.3 16.3 94% 37% 59% 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 28% 30% 32% 35% 36% USA Brazil 90% Korea Argentina 86% China 76% Mexico Total Spain 2006 Percentage of wastewater treatment in Mexico 12 Brazil (hectares per thousand inhabitants) Chile 2000 Rural areas Colombia Surface under irrigation 2,532 422 Sewage coverage in Mexico Urban areas 2.8 1.8 8 Electricity Total 3.9 3.7 Annual average Highways Hydro-agriculture and flood control 4.2 World average (billions of pesos in 2007) 6.7 5.2 4.6 Northern Asia Estimated investment in Mexico by sector 2007/2012 Europe 21.1 7.0 China PVC consumption per capita USA The agricultural sector is becoming another important pillar for development in Latin American countries. For example, there are currently 6.5 million hectares under irrigation in Mexico. To capture this sector’s tremendous potential, we have created a new subsidiary, Mexichem Soluciones Agrícolas, whose principal objective will be to provide solutions for handling water and important projects in the areas of biofuel and food, both sectors that demand advanced technology and service for all of Latin America. Sanitation coverage in Latin America 31% Unconventional “In situ” 21% Without coverage 48% Conventional The potable water and drainage sector, which is directly involved in pipe manufacturing, will make annual investments of MXN26 billion during the next six years. Chile Peru 1.2 0.5 Ecuador 1.2 Argentina 2.9 2.7 2.6 Venezuela 6.7 4.3 Colombia (million houses) Mexico At Mexichem, in accordance with our 20/20/20 vision, we have been consolidating companies in the areas with the greatest potential in Latin America, integrating our productive chains with products of greater aggregate value. As a result, our sales have gone from just over USD200 million in 2002 to almost USD2.1 billion in 2007. In only five years, EBITDA has increased from nearly USD30 million to nearly USD400 million. Housing deficit Brazil In Mexico, the federal government has announced that, over the next six years, it will invest more than MXN2.5 trillion in infrastructure that will directly impact the growth of the country and, as a result, Mexichem. The potable water and drainage sector, which is directly involved in pipe manufacturing, will make annual investments of MXN26 billion during the next six years, and the average annual investment in the hydro-agriculture and flood-control sector will be MXN8 billion. The potable water and drainage sector, which is directly involved in pipe manufacturing, will make annual investments of MXN26 billion during the next six years. agp k 13 Efficiency and Growth “ A characteristic of all of our acquisitions is our ability to achieve synergies that yield significant benefits for Mexichem, and this is the most important point for us in project analysis. Patricia Mendoza Accounting manager Y ear after year we have met the challenges of achieving an industry leadership position, a commercial presence, and operations throughout the Americas. We have also met our commitment to generate value for our shareholders and to grow with responsibility, intelligence, and a healthy financial structure that allows us to maintain our stride and our direction. In 2007 we increased our sales by 121%, EBITDA by 75%, and consolidated net earnings by 55%. These increases are attributable, in part, to the acquisitions themselves, but are due primarily to the synergies we obtained as a result of their integration. When we acquired Amanco, its sales were about USD800 million, and EBITDA was USD83 million, a historical record for Amanco. Within only ten months of its acquisition by Mexichem, Amanco’s 12-month sales represented about USD900 million. Moreover, EBITDA between January and December was USD140 million. In an industry such as ours, cost reduction is vital. That is why, in each business unit and in each plant, we seek operational excellence and process efficiencies that reduce costs, which, in turn, will allow us to maintain our competitiveness and leadership position. In 2006 we created the Mexichem Research and Development Center, through which we have developed in-house fluorite purification technology, and increased our margins in the Fluorine Chain. In 2007 we changed the technology of the Santa Clara plant, in the State of Mexico, which manufactures chlorine-soda and chloride derivatives using state-of-the-art technology. This plant is the only one of its type in North or South America. With this investment, totaling nearly USD70 million, we reduced electricity consumption—the principal cost in the manufacture of chlorine-soda—by more than 30% and generated important synergies in other areas that yield savings of more than USD15 million per year. In 2007 we increased our sales by 121%, EBITDA by 75%, and consolidated net earnings by 55%. These increases are attributable, in part, to the acquisitions themselves, but are due primarily to the synergies we obtained as a result of their integration. 14 “ We have invested in the products and regions with the highest potential for growth and profitability in all of Latin America, and we have capitalized on economies of scale and synergies in information technologies, logistics, accounting, and human resources. In 2008 we plan to make acquisitions in Mexico and other Latin American countries totaling nearly USD300 million; in the first quarter we invested more than USD200 million. During the next five years, we plan to invest nearly USD1 billion to maintain the growth rate necessary to reach our goal without sacrificing the stability and flexibility that has characterized our financial condition. To coordinate these efforts and achieve results throughout North and South America requires not only talented management but advanced, innovative tools. Mexichem has a platform of information technologies that guides and facilitates our ability to achieve all of our objectives. We use the SAP system for real-time monitoring of operational and financial information from plants, distribution centers, sales offices, research centers, and corporate offices throughout the entire organization, which expedites decision-making and improves efficiency across all of our operations. We have invested more than USD200 million in acquisitions so far in 2008, and we plan to invest approximately USD1 billion over the next five years. 15 Social responsibility As a company committed to social responsibility, Mexichem is dedicated to fully meeting the expectations of all of its stakeholders, both internal and external, with regard to its economic, social, human, and environmental surroundings. Without exception, we respect ethical values, our people, our communities, and the environment. Social responsibility is part of our culture and our values, and is applied in each and every one of the activities that we perform each day. We know that the only way to achieve longterm viability is through sustainable development. We have developed programs to support the communities in which our facilities are located. We have also established agreements with the principal universities in these regions to develop joint training and development programs. Through these actions, we hope to help new generations understand the intersections of industry, ecology, and society and be better prepared to face the challenges and realities of operating in a responsible manner. As part of its commitment to social responsibility, and to help those in greatest need, Mexichem makes monthly contributions to Fundación Kaluz A.C. The Foundation puts these donations to work for the common good by helping individuals meet their basic food, clothing, or housing needs. The Foundation also funds activities to promote human development and a higher quality of life through education, health, sport, arts, and entertainment. Mexichem employees can support social projects on a personal level by making voluntary contributions to the United Way. We are proud that our employees, on their own initiative, have created a campaign to raise awareness about the United Way and spur greater participation. Employee committees determine how the contributions are disbursed (based on United Way categories) and verify their use. The percentage of employees participating and the amount of money collected has increased year after year, thereby benefiting our communities and, most importantly, directly involving our employees in addressing social challenges. 16 In July 2007 Mexichem attained Cemefi certification as a Socially Responsible Company, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to the community. Our companies are fully compliant with Mexican environmental and safety regulations. We have earned Clean Industry certification and are implementing the integrated responsibility program promoted by the National Chemical Industry Association (ANIQ), a program similar to the Responsible Care initiative developed in the United States. Our achievements under the auspices of this program have been widely recognized by ANIQ. Additionally, our facilities are certified to the ISO 14000 standard. In partnership with other companies, we have developed an eco-efficiency program that promotes the efficient use of byproducts from our manufacturing processes. This program not only helps to preserve the environment, but it also generates an economic benefit to the company, thus underscoring its value as a viable and sustainable business model. In 2007 we received two awards for Thermal Energy Savings in recognition of the energy efficiency program that was implemented at Cloro de Tehuantepec and Mexichem Resinas Vinílicas. “Social responsibility is part of everyone’s job at Mexichem. It is not only a corporate but also a personal commitment.” Analysis and discussion of results January - December INCOME STATEMENT Net sales 2007 $ 23,017,321 Cost of sales Gross profit Variation $ 10,417,127 121% 15,557,351 Operating expenses 2006 7,335,523 112% 7,459,970 3,081,604 142% 4,189,873 1,083,565 287% Operating income 3,270,097 1,998,039 64% Comprehensive financing cost 371,679 150,356 147% 299,849 131,022 129% 2,598,569 1,716,661 51% Special item and other Net income from continuing operations before income taxes Provisions for income tax (%) 746,511 525,445 42% 1,852,058 1,191,216 55% Discontinued operations (10,354) (5,486) 89% Net income from continuing operations Accumulated effects of change in accounting policy - - Consolidated net income $ 1,841,704 $ 1,185,730 Net income of minority stockholders Net majority income 18,513 1,823,191 EBITDA $ 4,354,055 55% (2,512) 0% 1,188,242 53% $ 2,485,491 75% 17 Mexichem consolidated Increase in sales Expansion Sales rose to MXN23.017 billion in 2007, 121% more than in 2006. This significant increase is due primarily to the Group’s expansion strategy, in particular the acquisition of Amanco, Petco, and Frigocel in February, March, and July, respectively. Together, these subsidiaries reported sales of MXN12.232 billion for the year. Net income increased to MXN1.842 billion, an increase of MXN656 million, or 55%, compared with net income reported in 2006 resulting from acquisitions and favorable operating results. Sales in the Chlorine-Vinyl Chain were MXN8.331 billion, 30% higher than in 2006. Sales volume was 1.593 million tonnes, 21% more than in the previous year. The total income of the Fluorine Chain was MXN2.087 billion, 12% higher than in 2006, with a volume of 911 thousand tonnes, 10% more than in 2006. This was due to the use of the fluorite purifier to use our own fluorite, thereby ensuring the supply of our primary raw material. The Transformed Products Chain had sales of MXN12.6 billion, thanks to the Amanco and Frigocel acquisitions. Price strengthening The gross margin increased by 142%, totaling MXN7.46 billion, and represents 32% of income, an increase of almost 3% compared with that of the previous year. This increased margin was due primarily to the synergies achieved by integrating Amanco and Petco into our productive chains, as well as price increases in the Chlorine-Vinyl Chain and the implementation of companywide cost-reduction projects, including a technology change in the chlorine/soda plant in Santa Clara. We achieved higher sales volumes and improved prices for practically all of our products in 2007; prices in the Chlorine-Vinyl Chain and the Fluorine Chain grew 11% and 2.6%, respectively, over those of the previous year. Net debt at the end of 2007 was MXN7.133 billion, compared with MXN1.03 billion at the end of the same period in 2006. This increase is due to financing for acquisitions, less payment of current credits and advance payment of long-term debt. It is important to mention that the net-debt-to-EBITDA ratio closed the year at 1.63 times, below international standards. Mexichem and its subsidiaries Growth Operating Growth income Total vs. 2006 income vs. 2006 (MXN millions) (%) (MXN millions) (%) Mexichem consolidated $ 23,017121 $ 3,270 64 $ 8,331 30 $ 1,665 28 $ 2,087 12 $ 781 10 $ 12,600477 $ 1,154 437 Mexichem Chlorine-Vinyl Mexichem Fluorine Transformed Products Growth of operating income Operating income increased by 64%, to MXN3.27 billion, driven primarily by the new acquisitions. Operating cash flow was MXN4.354 billion, 75% more than in 2006. Chlorine-Vinyl Chain Expansion of the plant utilization capacity Increase in sales During 2007 we maintained high utilization rates at our plants, thanks to improved operational efficiencies that allowed us to reduce costs, capture synergies among our operations, reduce and eliminate redundant costs, and maintain our world-class operational leadership. The Santa Clara plant increased production capacity by 10% thanks to replacement technology. Accumulated sales for 2007 were MXN8.331 billion, 30% more than in 2006. Sales volume was 1.593 million tonnes, 21% more than in 2006. Operating income increased by 28% but lagged sales due to increases in energy prices. The above results include nine months of operations of Petco, as well as Mexichem América Inc. 18 Markets Global supply continues to outpace global demand, due in part to an increase in installed capacity, particularly in Asia. Despite recent capacity increases in North America, there are fewer surpluses in the region as a result of increased demand, which places upward pressure on prices. South America continues, however, to see a significant supply deficit. Our new acquisitions have enabled us to better handle the surplus balances and have created an important regional market for us in Latin America. Growth Mexichem Resinas Colombia (Petco) has strengthened the competitive position of the Chlorine-Vinyl Chain, not only in Mexico but throughout Latin America, and provides a new platform for growth in new markets, products, and services. This acquisition also provides a platform for the acquisition of other facilities that add greater value to our productive chain and maintain balance in each of its links. The acquisition of Procesal in Colombia will allow for further regional integration of the chain, give us a better competitive position in Colombia, and provide strategic flexibility for the future. Fluorine Chain Increase in sales Total sales were MXN2.087 billion, 12% more than in 2006. Sales volume was 911 thousand tonnes, 10% more than in 2006. The Fluorine Chain maintained its profit margins at 100% production capacity. For the first time, the Matamoros plant achieved a production and sales volume of 230 million pounds, 15% more than its nominal installed capacity. EBITDA was MXN920 million, 10% more than in 2006. Prices for this chain increased by 2.6% over those of the previous year because of a change in the product mix due to expansion of the mine flotation capacity and market conditions. During 2008, we will increase hydrofluoric acid production capacity by 20%. Markets With approximately 49% of worldwide sales, China is the world’s primary fluorite producer. Mexichem has the largest fluorspar mine in the world and competes against China, a country whose 1,500 mines’ total capacity is roughly equal to ours. World demand for fluorspar continues to grow. In particular, demand for high-purity fluorspar used in the manufacture of refrigerants has grown and has driven prices to levels higher than those in 2006. Indicators point to continued high demand in the near term. The demand for HF has also increased, and our supply contracts with our current clients have enabled our plant to operate at 100% capacity. Growth Mexichem’s Fluorine Chain has achieved near total integration. Our use of fluorite from our own mine has generated significant improvement in margins and made this chain much more profitable. As the only integrated producer of our own raw material in the Americas, we will increase our HF production capacity by almost 20% this year and will thus provide a more solid growth platform for higher-value-added products. Transformed Products Chain Increase in sales Accumulated sales for 2007 were MXN12.6 billion, with operating income of MXN1.154 billion. The above includes the sales of composites and styrenes and sales from Amanco beginning in March. Markets Amanco has plants in 14 Latin American countries, including Mexico; a presence in 29 countries; and more than 55 thousand points of sale in the region. The major driver for the pipe market is construction, of both housing and infrastructure, which is recording double-digit growth in countries such as Mexico, Colombia, Peru, and Brazil. The countercyclical plans announced by the Mexican government, together with Mexichem’s geographic distribution, give us a very important competitive advantage notwithstanding the slowing of the U.S. economy. Growth During 2008 we will invest more than USD150 million in acquisitions in this chain. We have already announced the acquisitions of Plastubos in Brazil; Dripsa in Argentina; and, most recently, Tubos Flexibles in Mexico, which will provide significant growth for Mexichem in this market. 19 Share information Beginning in February 2008, Mexichem was included in the Mexican Stock Exchange Index of Prices and Quotations (IPyC), which places the company at number 26 among companies that have high exposure on the exchange. This listing marks the achievement of another of Mexichem’s objectives for the year: to belong to the comparative performance index along with other Mexican companies listed on the Mexican stock exchange (BMV). Instrument Performance last 12 months Mexchem* 112% Alfa A -5.93% America Móvil 28.39% GCarso A1 9.55% The share price during 2007 had a yield of greater than 130% and closed the year at 43.61 pesos per share; the enterprise value / EBITDA (EV/EBITDA) ratio closed at 8.82. 2006 2007 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 100 300 250 200 150 100 Mexichem share price BMV IPyC 7.0 8.8 8.8 IPC MEXICHEM Average 8.1 GCARSO DESC Mexichem Average 2.6 2.9 ALFA 6.0 6.9 International 3.5 1.8 United States 19.8 13.7 16.8 11.8 Mexichem EV/EBITDA Average Price / Book Value International Price / Net Profit United States 20 Differential Mexichem, Mexichem, S.A.B. S.A.B.dedeC.V. C.V. Per-share information: Pesos of de purchasing power as of 31, 2007de 2007 Información por acción: Pesos poder adquisitivo delDecember 31 de diciembre 2007 2007 2006 2006 2005 2005 2004 2004 2003 2003 3.45 2.43 $ 0.95 0.82 $ 0.29 Utilidad neta por Net income continuas operaciones $ from continuing Utilidad (pérdida) operations neta Net income (loss)discontinuas de operaciones from Efectodiscontinued al inicio poroperations cambios $ $ 3.45 $ 2.43 $ -$ 0.01 -$ 0.01 -$ 0.01 $ 0.01 $ -$ $ 0.95 $ 0.65 -$ 0.65 -$ 0.82 $ 0.29 0.10 $ 0.10 $ 0.07 0.07 Effect at the start due to changes $ en principios de contabilidad 0.00 $ 0.00 -$ 0.08 -$ 0.15 $ 0.00 in accounting principles $ 0.00 $ 0.00 -$ 0.08 -$ 0.15 $ 0.00 Utilidad neta $ 3.44 $ 2.42 $ 1.52 $ 0.57 $ 0.36 Net income $ 3.44 $ 2.42 $ 1.52 $ 0.57 $ 0.36 Capital contable Stockholders’ equity (participación mayoritaria) $ 14.80 $ 9.86 $ 7.85 $ 6.37 $ 5.96 (majority participation) $ 14.75 $ 9.83 $ 7.85 $ 6.37 $ 5.96 (**) $ 1.02 $ 0.44 $ 0.61 $ 0.17 $ 0.15 Dividendos Dividends (**) $ 1.01 $ 0.44 $ 0.61 $ 0.17 $ 0.15 (a) $ 43.61 $ 18.85 $ 12.49 $ 5.90 $ 4.50 Precio al cierre $ 43.61 $ 18.85 $ 12.49 $ 5.90 $ 4.50 Closing price (a) Precio al cierre/utilidad neta 12.68 8.39 8.82 11.13 13.34 Closing price / net income 12.68 8.39 8.82 11.13 13.34 Precio al cierre/capital contable 2.95 1.91 1.59 0.93 0.76 Closing price / stockholders’ equity 2.96 1.92 1.59 0.93 0.76 Número de acciones Number of outstanding (b) en circulación (b) 547,119,442 548,800,000488,581,550 490,000,000490,000,000 490,000,000 426,489,016 426,489,016 415,789,416 415,789,416 shares Promedioshares de acciones Average 527,606,810488,581,550 488,581,550437,238,046 437,238,046 422,922,483 422,922,483 415,789,416 415,789,416 in encirculation circulación(c)(c ) 527,606,810 Otros indicadores Other Razón indicators circulante total 1.11 1.13 1.12 1.09 1.50 1.13 53.68% 1.12 60.26% 1.09 77.34% 1.50 48.86% 53.68% 1.20 60.26% 1.51 77.34% 3.41 48.86% 1.00 1.51 3.41 Consolidated income a activo total net promedio 10.16% 11.64% 6.41% to average total assets 10.16% 11.64% 6.41% Utilidad neta consolidada Consolidated net income a capital contable promedio 28.24% 27.43% 21.19% to average stockholders’ equity 28.24% 27.43% 21.19% Pasivo con costo, neto de caja Debt at cost, net from cash to cash flow (d) a flujocontinuing de efectivo de 1.64 0.41 0.45 from operations operaciones continuas (d) 1.64 0.41 0.45 2.45 Interest coverage, (e) 7.01 18.61 7.86 continuing operations Cobertura de intereses de 2.12% 2.12% 3.25% 3.25% 9.79% 9.79% 6.35% 6.35% Liquidity ratio Pasivo a activo total 1.11 67.45% Liabilities to totalcontable assets Pasivo a capital total 67.45% 2.09 Liabilities to stockholders’ Utilidad neta consolidada equity 2.09 operaciones continuas (e) (a) Market price quoted on the Mexican stock exchange. 7.01 18.61 1.20 7.86 8.45 2.45 1.55 8.45 1.00 1.55 17.00 17.00 (b) Equivalent to the number of shares outstanding as of December 31 of each year. (a ) Precio de mercado según cotización de la bolsa Mexicana de Valores, S.A. de C.V. (c) Average number of shares outstanding during the year. (b ) Equivalente al número de acciones en circulación al 31 de diciembre de cada año. (d) Cash flow is defined as operating income plus depreciation and amortization. (c ) Promedio ponderado de acciones en circulación durante el año. (e) Cash flow / financial cost, net. (d ) El flujo de efectivo se define como: utilidad de operación más depreciación y amortización (**) Figures in nominal pesos on the date they were declared. (e ) Flujo de efectivo/gastos financieros, neto. (**) Cifras en pesos nominales de la fecha de decreto. En Mexichem tenemos una política de dividendos muy atractiva, conforme a la cual se paga como dividendo hasta 10% del EBITDA del año anterior. Histórico dividendos pesos por acción,policy, a pesos de poder adquisitivo 31 de diciembre de 2007 Mexichemdehas a very attractive dividend which pays up to 10% ofalthe EBITDA from the previous year. Dividend history in pesos per share, at pesos of purchasing power as of December 31, 2007 2002 2003 2003 2004 2004 2005 2005 2006 2006 20072007 0.31 $ 0.18 0.155 0.175 0.61 $ 0.19 $ 0.66 $ 0.460.44 $ 1.011.02 21 Board of Directors Chairman of the Board Antonio del Valle Ruiz Secretary Juan Pablo del Río Benítez Prosecretary Andrés Eduardo Capdepon A. Directors Related Antonio del Valle Ruiz Adolfo del Valle Ruiz Ignacio del Valle Ruiz Alain Jean Marie de Metz Simart Ricardo Gutiérrez Muñoz Jaime Ruiz Sacristán Juan Pablo del Valle Perochena Independent Divo Milán Haddad Fernando Ruiz Sahagún Jorge Corvera Gibsone Juan Francisco Beckmann Vidal Armando Santacruz Baca Valentín Diez Morodo Eugenio Clariond Reyes Retana Alternate Related Antonio del Valle Perochena Adolfo del Valle Toca José Ignacio del Valle Espinosa Francisco Javier del Valle Perochena María Blanca del Valle Perochena Gerardo del Valle Toca Guadalupe del Valle Perochena Alternate Independent José Luis Fernández Fernández René Rivial León Juan Domingo Beckmann Legorreta Eugenio Clariond Rangel 22 Audit Committee Fernando Ruiz Sahagún. Presidente Divo Milán Haddad Juan Francisco Beckmann Vidal Eugenio Clariond Reyes Retana Corporate Practices Committee Fernando Ruiz Sahagún. Presidente Divo Milán Haddad Juan Francisco Beckmann Vidal Eugenio Clariond Reyes Retana Officers Chief Executive Officer Ricardo Gutiérrez Muñoz Chief Corporate Development Officer Jaime Morales Vázquez Chief Financial Officer Armando Vallejo Gómez Director Fluorine Chain Héctor Valle Martín Director of Strategic Planning and Investor Relations Enrique Ortega Prieto Corporate Governance Our principles of corporate governance provide a framework for the operation of our company; at the same time, we work in the best interests of our stockholders. We are subject to Mexican legislation, which is the basis for our corporate governance practices. Our shares are listed on the BMV. For this reason, we meet the standards of corporate governance established in the Securities Market Law. In addition, our standards of corporate governance meet the principles established in the Code of Best Corporate Practices, backed by the Business Coordinating Council. The board of directors heads our corporate governance system and is responsible for determining corporate strategy; defining and supervising the implementation of the values and vision that define us; and approving transactions between related parties and transactions that are not part of the ordinary course of our business. Our social statutes call for the existence of an audit committee and a corporate practices committee to assist the board of directors in the performance of its duties. Audit Committee The audit committee is responsible for evaluating the internal control and internal audit system of the company; identifying any important deficiency discovered; monitoring any corrective or preventive measure taken due to noncompliance with operational and accounting guidelines and policies; evaluating the performance of the external auditors; describing and evaluating non-audit services performed by the external auditors; reviewing the company financial statements; evaluating the effects of any modification to the accounting policies approved during the tax period; monitoring the measures taken regarding the observations by shareholders, directors, executive officers, employees, or third parties regarding accounting, internal control systems, and internal and external audits, as well as any claim related to irregularities in administration, including anonymous and confidential methods for handling reports expressed by employees; and overseeing compliance with the decision of the general shareholders meeting and the board of directors. Corporate Practices Committee The corporate practices committee is responsible for evaluating the performance of the executive officers; reviewing transactions between related parties; reviewing directors’ compensation; evaluating any dispensation granted to the directors or executive officers so that they may take advantage of business opportunities; and performing activities as required by the securities laws. According to our statutes, all members of the audit and corporate practices committee, including each chairman, shall be independent directors. Information for Investors One area of our organization is specifically responsible for communication with our shareholders and investors. Our fundamental objective is to ensure that our shareholders and investors receive necessary and sufficient information to evaluate the performance and progress of the organization. 23 Financial statements 2007 Contents 25 Report of the Independent Auditors 26 Consolidated Balance Sheets 27 Consolidated Statements of Income 28 Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity 30 Consolidated Statements of Changes in Financial Position 31 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 48 Report of the Chief Executive Officer 51 Report of the Corporate Practices and Audit Committees 24 Independent Auditors’ Report Independent Auditors’ Report to the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Mexichem, S.A.B. de C.V.: We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Mexichem, S.A.B. de C.V. and Subsidiaries (the “Company” or “Mexichem”) as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in stockholders’ equity and changes in financial position for the years then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in Mexico. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and that they are prepared in accordance with Mexican Financial Reporting Standards. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the financial reporting standards used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. As discussed in Note 2, in February and March 2007, the Company acquired all the shares of the entities denominated Amanco and Petco, which are engaged in the manufacture and sale of solutions for the conduction of fluids, primarily water, and the production of PVC resins, respectively. These businesses are mainly active on Latin American markets and operate in 14 countries. These acquisitions had a total value of approximately US$ 736 million, which doubled the Company’s size, thereby affecting the comparability of the accompanying consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Mexichem, S.A.B. de C.V. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the results of their operations, changes in their stockholders’ equity and changes in their financial position for the years then ended in conformity with Mexican Financial Reporting Standards. Galaz, Yamazaki, Ruiz Urquiza, S. C. Member of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu C.P.C. Carlos Moya Vallejo March 18, 2008 (April 2, 2008 with respect to Note 25) 25 Consolidated Balance Sheets Mexichem, S.A.B. de C.V. and Subsidiaries (A Subsidiary of Grupo Empresarial Kaluz, S.A. de C.V.) As of December 31, 2007 and 2006 (Thousands of Mexican Pesos of purchasing power of December 31, 2007) Assets Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ Accounts receivable, net Due from related parties Inventories, net Prepaid expenses Property, plant and equipment available for sale Discontinued operations Total current assets 2007 1,551,469 $ 4,722,856 126,569 2,652,625 118,265 151,144 – 9,322,928 2006 437,412 1,930,744 – 850,208 11,355 – 962,676 4,192,395 Property, plant and equipment, net 9,741,726 4,135,767 Other assets, net 230,144 71,892 Investment in shares of associated companies 121,325 32,156 Intangible assets from employee benefits 109,537 188,795 Intangible assets, net 2,842,295 1,052,401 Goodwill 2,709,899 672,330 Discontinued operations – 465,490 Total $ 25,077,854 $ 10,811,226 Liabilities and stockholders’ equity Current liabilities: Bank loans and current portion of long-term debt $ 1,629,129 $ 314,662 Accounts payable to suppliers 4,601,840 1,872,778 Due to related parties 174,237 140,435 Other accounts payable, provisions and accrued liabilities 1,679,655 313,609 Income tax and employee profit sharing payable 296,294 109,500 Derivative financial instruments – 15,466 Discontinued operations – 938,715 Total current liabilities 8,381,155 3,705,165 Bank loans and long-term debt 7,054,495 1,152,558 Other liabilities 457,381 38,779 Deferred income taxes 826,426 803,879 Employee retirement benefits and workers’ compensation 195,941 87,517 Discontinued operations – 16,025 Total liabilities 16,915,398 5,803,923 Stockholders’ equity: Paid-in capital Capital stock Nominal 2,136,740 454,683 Additional paid-in capital 1,279,668 1,283,444 Cumulative effect of restatement 826,100 768,333 4,242,508 2,506,460 Earned capital Retained earnings 4,392,573 3,133,682 Cumulative effect of deferred income taxes (341,582) (341,582) Reserve for reacquisition of shares 491,445 448,769 Cumulative effect of restatement (690,718) (919,517) Valuation of financial instruments 1,164 (9,879) 3,852,882 2,311,473 Total majority stockholders’ equity 8,095,390 4,817,933 Total minority interest 67,066 189,370 Total stockholders’ equity 8,162,456 5,007,303 Total $ 25,077,854 $ 10,811,226 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 26 Consolidated Statements of Income Mexichem, S.A.B. de C.V. and Subsidiaries (A Subsidiary of Grupo Empresarial Kaluz, S.A. de C.V.) For the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 (Thousands of Mexican pesos of purchasing power of December 31, 2007) (Except earnings per share expressed in pesos) 2007 2006 Net sales $ 23,017,321 $ 10,417,127 Cost of sales 15,557,351 7,335,523 Gross profit 7,459,970 3,081,604 Operating expenses 4,189,873 1,083,565 Operating income 3,270,097 1,998,039 Other expenses, net (299,849) (131,022) Comprehensive financing (cost) (371,679) (150,356) Income before income taxes 2,598,569 1,716,661 Income taxes 746,511 525,445 Income from continuing operations 1,852,058 1,191,216 Discontinued operations, net (10,354) (5,486) Consolidated net income $ Allocation of consolidated net income: Majority stockholders $ Minority stockholders $ Majority earnings (loss) per share: From continuing operations From discontinued operations Basic majority earnings per common share $ $ 1,841,704 $ 1,185,730 1,823,191 $ 18,513 1,841,704 $ 1,188,242 (2,512) 1,185,730 3.45 $ (0.01) 3.44 $ 2.43 (0.01) 2.42 Weighted average common shares outstanding 527,606,810 488,581,550 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 27 Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity Mexichem, S.A.B. de C.V. and Subsidiaries (A Subsidiary of Grupo Empresarial Kaluz, S.A. de C.V.) For the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 (Thousands of Mexican pesos of purchasing power of December 31, 2007) Paid-in capital Additional Cumulative Common Stock paid-in effect of Retained Nominal In trust capital restatement earnings Balances as of January 1, 2006 $ 466,823 $ – $1,283,444 $ 768,333 $2,164,071 Dividends declared – – – – (224,008) Additional capital contribution due to increase of minority stockholders’ participation – – – – 5,377 Shares in trust – (12,140) – – – Comprehensive income (loss)- Net income for the year – – – – 1,188,242 Restatement effect – – – – – Valuation of financial instruments – – – – – Adjustment of additional employee retirement liability – – – – – Comprehensive income – – – – 1,188,242 Balances as of December 31, 2006 466,823 (12,140) 1,283,444 768,333 3,133,682 Dividends declared – – – – (286,954) Declaration of dividend payable in kind – – (3,776) – (277,346) Additional capital contribution due to increase of minority stockholders’ participation – – – – – Capital increase 1,705,200 – – 57,767 – Shares in trust (23,143) – – – Comprehensive income- – Net income for the year – – – – 1,823,191 Restatement effect – – – – – Valuation of financial instruments – – – – – Translation effect of foreign subsidiaries – – – – – – – – – 1,823,191 Comprehensive income Balances as of December 31, 2007 $2,172,023 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 28 $ (35,283) $1,279,668 $ 826,100 $4,392,573 Earned capital Cumulative effect of deferred income taxes Reserve for Cumulative Valuation of reacquisition effect of financial of shares restatement instruments $(341,582) $ 341,381 $ (940,358) $ 109,421 Total majority stockholders’ equity Total Minority interest Total stockholders’ equity $3,851,533 $ (26,606) $3,824,927 – – – – (224,008) – 107,388 – – 112,765 218,488 331,253 – – – – (12,140) – (12,140) – – – – 1,188,242 – – 21,321 – 21,321 – – – (119,300) (119,300) – – (480) – (480) – – 20,841 (119,300) 1,089,783 (2,512) 1,087,271 448,769 (919,517) (9,879) 4,817,933 189,370 5,007,303 (341,582) – (224,008) (2,512) 1,185,730 – 21,321 – (119,300) – (480) – – – – (286,954) – (286,954) – – – – (281,122) – (281,122) – 42,676 – – – – – – 1,762,967 42,676 (189,370) (146,694) – 1,762,967 – – – – – (23,143) – – – – – 36,128 – 36,129 – 36,129 – – – 11,043 11,043 – 11,043 – – 192,670 – 192,670 48,553 241,223 – – 228,799 $(341,582) $ 491,445 $ (690,718) $ – 1,823,191 (23,143) 11,043 2,063,033 1,164 $8,095,390 $ 18,513 1,841,704 67,066 2,130,099 67,066 $8,162,456 29 Consolidated Statements of Changes in Financial Position Mexichem, S.A.B. de C.V. and Subsidiaries (A Subsidiary of Grupo Empresarial Kaluz, S.A. de C.V.) For the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 (Thousands of Mexican pesos of purchasing power of December 31, 2007) 2007 Operating activities: Income from continuing operations $ Add (less) items that did not require (generate) resources Depreciation and amortization Employee retirement obligations, net Deferred income taxes Net resources generated by results 1,852,058 2006 $ 1,191,216 1,083,958 17,554 28,990 2,982,560 487,452 (14,290) 40,364 1,704,742 Net changes in working capital, except treasury, before other effects Net resources generated by operating activities before other effects 511,769 3,494,329 (229,230) 1,475,512 (Loss) gain from discontinued operations 463,075 (216,017) 3,957,404 1,259,495 4,516,595 (153,585) 42,676 143,201 11,043 – (23,143) 1,762,967 (568,076) 5,885,263 331,253 (39,289) (119,300) (480) (12,140) – (224,008) (217,549) (1,177,457) (6,215,880) (1,335,273) (8,728,610) (1,055,623) (176,631) (68,946) (1,301,200) 1,114,057 (259,254) Net resources generated by operating activities Financing activities: Banks loans and long-term debt Additional capital contribution due to increase of minority stockholders’ participation Other long-term liabilities Financial instruments Adjustment of additional employee retirement liability Shares in trust Capital increase Dividends declared Net resources generated by (used in) financing activities Investing activities: Additions to property, plant and equipment, net Acquisition of subsidiaries Other assets, net Net resources used in investing activities Net changes in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 30 $ 437,412 1,551,469 696,666 $ 437,412 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Mexichem, S.A.B. de C.V. and Subsidiaries (A Subsidiary of Grupo Empresarial Kaluz, S.A. de C.V.) For the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 (Thousands of Mexican pesos of purchasing power of December 31, 2007) 1. Nature of business Mexichem, S.A.B. de C.V. and Subsidiaries (the “Company” or “Mexichem”) is a Mexican entity that holds the shares of a group of companies engaged in the manufacture and sale of chemical and petrochemical products including; chlorine, caustic soda, polyvinyl chloride resins, fluorhidric acid, also PVC components and fluid conduction systems based on PVC. These products have their markets in the construction, housing, infrastructure, drinking water and urban drainage sectors in Mexico, the United States and Latin America. The Company’s strategic position currently focuses on the chemical sector based on three productive chains: the chlorinevinyl chain, the fluorite chain and, in 2007, following the acquisition of Mexichem Amanco Holding, S.A. de C.V. (formerly Amanco Holding, Inc.), the Fluid Conduction chain was created. 2. Significant events a. Acquisition of subsidiaries - During 2007, Mexichem purchased certain companies, the acquisition of which was recorded according to the purchase method. The results of the acquired operations have been included in the consolidated financial statements since the acquisition date. Consequently, the 2007 consolidated financial statements are not comparable with those of the prior year. The consolidated statement of changes in financial position presents the incorporation of the operations acquired by Mexichem in a single line item under investing activities. The Company’s acquisitions are as follows: i. On February 22, 2007, Mexichem executed a share purchase-sale contract to acquire 100% of the outstanding shares of Mexichem Amanco Holding, S.A. de C.V. (formerly Amanco Holding, Inc.) (“Amanco”), which is engaged in the production and sale of fluid conduction solutions, primarily water, and is an industry leader in Latin America. ii. On March 23, 2007, Mexichem Resinas Vinílicas, S.A. de C.V., a subsidiary of Mexichem, executed a share purchasesale contract to acquire 100% of the shares of Mexichem Resinas Colombia, S.A. (formerly Petroquimica Colombiana, S.A.) (“Petco”), a company engaged in the production and sale of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resins. In order to finance most of these acquisitions, in February 2007, Mexichem contracted a bridge loan with Citibank, N.A. for the amount of US$ 700 million. The businesses of Amanco and Petco primarily focus on the Latin American markets and currently operate in 14 countries. The above transactions were performed for the approximate amount of US$ 736 million, thereby doubling the Company’s size and affecting the comparability of the accompanying financial statements. Note 21 shows the pro forma financial position of both businesses based on 12 months’ operations from 2006 to 2007. The main headings of the condensed financial statements (unaudited) are shown in thousands of nominal pesos for each business at the acquisition date: Petco Amanco Total assets $ 3,068,558 $7,486,205 Total liabilities $ 1,902,438 $4,672,904 Stockholders’ equity $ 1,166,120 $2,813,301 iii. On June 29, 2007, through the subsidiary Mexichem Compuestos, S.A. de C.V., a share purchase-sale contract was executed to acquire 50% of the outstanding shares of C.I. Geon Polímeros Andinos, S.A., a Colombian company engaged in the manufacture of compounds. At December 31, 2007, the financial results of this entity have not been consolidated in the financial statements of Mexichem, because the latter does not have effective control over its management. iv. On August 31, 2007, Frigocel Mexicana, S.A. de C.V., a Mexican company engaged in the transformation of expandable polystyrene and the main competitor of Mexichem in the central area of the country, was acquired through the subsidiary Mexichem Estireno, S.A. de C.V. Expandable polystyrene products are mainly used in the construction industry and for thermal insulation purposes. Through these acquisitions, Mexichem has continued its strategy of generating increased added value for its basic raw materials to strengthen its position in Latin America and become a global entity with operations throughout almost the entire American continent. 31 b. Divestment of subsidiaries - The Board of Directors decided to divest the distribution business of Dermet de México, S.A. de C.V. (“Dermet”); accordingly, the stockholders’ ordinary meeting of July 9, 2007, resolved to pay a dividend of $270 million (face value), payable in kind through the delivery of shares representing the common stock of Dermet. Consequently, at December 31, 2006, the assets, liabilities and results of this business are presented as a discontinued operation in the current consolidated financial statements. c. Syndicated loan - On August 22, 2007, Mexichem and several of its subsidiaries executed a loan contract with a syndicate of 14 international banks headed by Citibank, N.A. for the amount of US$ 635 million, for a five-year period, with a one year grace period and semiannual principal payments thereafter. The loan was used to settle the aforementioned bridge loan. d. Plant modernization - On August 30, 2007, Mexichem began the operation of the new plant located at Santa Clara in Mexico State, with an investment of US$ 75 million, and which was intended to modernize and update the technology used to manufacture Chlorine-Caustic Soda with significant energy and maintenance reductions. This investment was recognized for the amount of $132,505 in the consolidated statement of income under the heading of other expenses, which represents the cost of eliminating the machinery and equipment of the preceding plant and a soil remediation reserve. 3. Basis of presentation a. Consolidation of the financial statements - The consolidated financial statements include those of Mexichem, S.A.B. de C.V. and its subsidiaries. The Company’s shareholding in these entities at December 31, 2007, is detailed below. Significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated from these consolidated financial statements. Subsidiary % Ownership Mexichem Resinas Vinílicas, S.A. de C.V. and Subsidiaries 100 Mexichem Resinas Colombia, S.A. 100 Mexichem Derivados, S.A. de C.V. 100 Mexichem Colombia, S.A. 100 Mexichem Compuestos, S.A. de C.V. and Subsidiaries 100 Unión Minera del Sur, S.A. de C.V. 100 Mexichem Flúor, S.A. de C.V. and Subsidiary 100 Mexichem Cid, S.A. de C.V. 100 Mexichem Marcas, S.A. de C.V. 100 Mexichem Servicios Administrativos, S.A. de C.V. 100 Mexichem Amanco Holding, S.A. de C.V. and Subsidiaries 100 Amanco Tubosistemas Panamá, S.A. 100 Construsistemas Amanco Panamá, S.A. 100 Pavco Investment Inc, and Subsidiaries 100 Mexichem Plastigama, S.A. de C.V. 100 Production Chain Vinyl/ Chlorine Vinyl/ Chlorine Vinyl/ Chlorine Vinyl/ Chlorine Vinyl/ Chlorine Vinyl/ Chlorine Fluorspar Investigation and development Trademarks Services Fluid Conduction Fluid Conduction Fluid Conduction Fluid Conduction Fluid Conduction The equity in net income (loss) and changes in stockholders’ equity of those subsidiaries that were acquired or sold, has been included in the consolidated financial statements as of or up to the date on which the transactions took place and are restated at constant currency of the latest year presented. b. Translation of the financial statements of foreign subsidiaries - The accounting records of foreign subsidiaries are prepared in the local currency of their country of origin and according to the main accounting principles applicable in each country. In order to include the individual balance sheets of each foreign subsidiary in the consolidated financial statements of Mexichem, they have been converted based on Mexican Financial Reporting Standards (“NIF”) and restated according to Mexican pesos of purchasing power by applying the inflation rate of the country of origin and translating this amount into Mexican pesos by using the exchange rate in effect at each year-end close. The variance of the net investment in foreign subsidiaries generated by the exchange rate fluctuation is included in the accrued conversion result and recorded in stockholders’ equity as part of net comprehensive income. c. Comprehensive income - The comprehensive income shown in the accompanying consolidated statement of changes in stockholders’ equity represents the modification of stockholders’ equity during the year for items not comprised by contributed capital distributions and movements. This figure is composed by a net profit of the year, together with other items representing gains or losses during the same period, which are presented directly in stockholders’ equity without affecting the consolidated statements of income. In 2007 and 2006, other comprehensive income items are represented by the excess (insufficiency) of restated stockholders’ equity, the effect of derivative financial instruments with the characteristics of cash flow hedges, the translation effects of foreign entities and the adjustment of an additional liability recorded for labor obligations. 32 d. Operating income - The operating income is presented because it enhances the understanding of the Company’s economic and financial performance. e. Reclassifications - Certain amounts in the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2006 have been reclassified in order to conform to the same presentation of the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2007. 4. Summary of significant accounting policies The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with NIF, which require that management make certain estimates and use certain assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and their related disclosures; however, actual results may differ from such estimates. The Company’s management, upon applying professional judgment, considers that estimates made and assumptions used were adequate under the circumstances. The significant accounting policies of the Company are as follows: a. Accounting changes - As of January 1, 2007, the Company adopted the following NIF, which took effect as of that date: Statement of income - NIF B-3, which now classifies revenues, costs and expenses into ordinary and non-ordinary. Ordinary items are derived from primary activities representing an entity’s main source of revenues. Non-ordinary items are derived from activities other than those representing an entity’s main source of revenues. Consequently, the classification of certain transactions as special and extraordinary was eliminated; these items are now part of other income and expenses and non-ordinary items, respectively. Statutory employee profit sharing (“PTU”) should now be presented as an ordinary expense and no longer presented as a tax on income. The main effect of adopting this NIF was the reclassification of current and deferred PTU for fiscal 2007 and 2006 of $127,157 and $101,280, respectively, to other income and expenses. Events subsequent to the date of the financial statements - NIF B-13 which requires that asset and liability restructurings and waivers by creditors of their right to demand payment in the event an entity defaults on contractual obligations that occur in the period between the date of the consolidated financial statements and the date of their issuance only be disclosed in a note to the consolidated financial statements and be recognized in the financial statements of the period in which such events actually take place. Through 2006, the effect was recognized retroactively when agreements or waivers were obtained in a subsequent period. Related Parties - NIF C-13 which broadens the concept “related parties” to include a) the overall business in which the reporting entity participates; b) close family members of key management or prominent executives; and c) any fund created in connection with a labor-related compensation plan. NIF C-13 also requires the following disclosures: 1) that the terms and conditions of consideration paid or received in transactions carried out between related parties be equivalent to those of similar transactions carried out between independent parties and the reporting entity, only if sufficient evidence exists; 2) benefits granted to the entity’s key management or prominent executives. Notes to the 2006 consolidated financial statements were amended to comply with the new provisions. Capitalization of comprehensive financing result - NIF D-6 which establishes general capitalization standards. Some of these standards include: a) mandatory capitalization of comprehensive financing cost (“CFC”) directly attributable to the acquisition of qualifying assets; b) when financing in domestic currency is used to acquire assets, yields obtained from temporary investments before the capital expenditure is made are excluded from the amount capitalized; c) a methodology to calculate capitalizable CFC relating to funds from generic financing; d) regarding land, CFC may be capitalized if land is developed, and e) conditions that must be met to capitalize CFC and rules indicating when CFC should no longer be capitalized. During 2007, no effects were generated by adopting this standard. b. Recognition of the effects of inflation - The Company restates its consolidated financial statements to Mexican peso purchasing power of the most recent balance sheet date presented. Accordingly, the consolidated financial statements of the prior year, that are presented for comparative purposes, have also been restated to Mexican pesos of the same purchasing power and, therefore, differ from those originally reported in the prior year. Recognition of the effects of inflation results mainly in inflationary gains or losses on nonmonetary and monetary items that are presented in the consolidated financial statements under the following two line items: Cumulative effect of restatement - Represents the accumulated monetary position result through the initial restatement of the financial statements and the gain (loss) from holding nonmonetary assets which resulted from restating certain nonmonetary assets above (below) inflation. Monetary position result - Monetary position result, which represents the erosion of purchasing power of monetary items caused by inflation, is calculated by applying National Consumer Price Index (NCPI) factors to monthly net monetary position. Gains (losses) result from maintaining a net monetary liability (asset) position, respectively. 33 c. Cash and cash equivalents - This line item consists mainly of bank deposits in checking accounts and readily available daily investments of cash surpluses. It is stated at nominal value, yields are recognized in results as they are accrued. d. Inventories and cost of sales - Inventories are recorded at direct acquisition or production cost and are restated to replacement cost based on the latest purchase, production or extraction cost, without exceeding net realizable value, except for those which are slow moving. Cost of sales is determined at restated values using the replacement cost or the latest extraction price at the time of sale. e. Property, plant and equipment - Property, plant and equipment are initially recorded at acquisition cost and restated using the NCPI. For fixed assets of foreign origin, restated acquisition cost expressed in the currency of the country of origin is converted into Mexican pesos at the market exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date. Depreciation is calculated by applying the straight-line method, based on the estimated useful lives of each asset. The average useful lives used by the Company were as follows: Useful lives in years Buildings and construction Machinery and equipment Vehicles Furniture and fixtures 40 10 and 20 5 10 f. Investments in associated companies - Are recorded according to the equity method based on the audited financial statements. g. Property, plant and equipment available- for- sale - Primarily represent the property, plant and equipment of the subsidiaries that are available for sale in the short term and which are recorded at their likely recovery value. h. Intangible assets - This item refers to non - compete contracts, material supply contract, usufruct of real estate property, use of trademarks and customer portfolio, which are amortized over the useful life of each asset. These assets are restated using factors derived from the NCPI. i. Goodwill - Goodwill represents the excess of purchase cost over the fair value of subsidiary shares, as of the date of acquisition. It is restated using the NCPI and at least once a year is subject to impairment tests. j. Impairment of long-lived assets in use - The Company reviews the carrying amounts of long-lived assets in use for an impairment indicator suggests that such amounts might not be recoverable, considering the greater of the present value of future net cash flows or the net sales price upon disposal. Impairment is recorded when the carrying amounts exceed the greater of the amounts mentioned above. k. Derivative financial instruments - The Company recognizes all assets or liabilities that arise from transactions with derivative financial instruments at fair value in the balance sheet, regardless of its intent for holding them. Fair value is determined using prices quoted on recognized markets. If such instruments are not traded, fair value is determined by applying recognized valuation techniques. The decision to contract an economic or accounting hedge is based on market conditions and expectations regarding the national and international economic context. l. Embedded derivatives - The Company reviews executed contracts to identify embedded derivatives that must be separated from the host contract for valuation and accounting recording purposes. When an embedded derivative is identified, it is valued at fair value and classified as negotiable or designated as a hedge. In the case of embedded derivatives designated as hedges and recorded at fair value, the valuation fluctuation of the derivative instruments and opened risk position are recognized during the period in which this occurs. In the case of a cash flow hedge, the effective portion is temporarily recognized in the comprehensive result within stockholders’ equity and subsequently classified to results when affected by the hedged item. The ineffective portion is immediately recognized in results of the period. m. Provisions - Provisions are recognized for obligations that result from a past event, that are probable to result in the use of economic resources and that can be reasonably estimated. Such provisions are recorded at net present values when the effect of the discount is significant. n. Reserve for reacquisition of shares - Share reacquisition are recorded directly in the stock repurchase reserve at acquisition cost. Upon resale, if there is a difference between the selling price and the acquisition cost, any such difference is recorded as a share issue/purchase surplus or deficit. 34 o. Statutory employee profit sharing - PTU is recorded in the results of the year in which it is incurred and presented under other income and expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. Deferred PTU is derived from temporary differences between the accounting result and income for PTU purposes and is recognized only when it can be reasonably assumed that such difference will generate a liability or benefit, and there is no indication that circumstances will change in such a way that the liabilities will not be paid or benefits will not be realized. p. Income taxes - Income taxes are recorded in the results of the year in which they are incurred. Deferred taxes are calculated by applying the corresponding tax rate to the applicable temporary differences resulting from comparing the accounting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and including, if any, future benefits from tax loss carryforwards and certain tax credits. Deferred tax assets are recorded only when there is a high probability of recovery. In Mexico, beginning October 2007, based on its financial projections, the Company must determine whether it will incur regular income tax (“ISR”) or the new Business Flat Tax (“IETU”) and, accordingly, recognize deferred taxes based on the tax it will pay. Tax on assets (“IMPAC”) paid that is expected to be recoverable is recorded as an advance payment of ISR and is presented in the balance sheet reducing deferred ISR. q. Employee retirement obligations - Liabilities from seniority premiums, pension plans and severance payments are recognized as they accrue and are calculated by independent actuaries using the projected unit credit method at net discount rates. Accordingly, the liability is being accrued which, at present value, will cover the obligation from benefits projected to the estimated retirement date of the Company’s employees. r. Foreign currency transactions - Foreign currency transactions are recorded at the applicable exchange rate in effect at the transaction date. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency are translated into Mexican pesos at the applicable exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date. Exchange fluctuations are recorded as a component of net comprehensive financing cost in the consolidated statements of income. s. Revenue recognition - Revenues are recognized in the period in which the risk and rewards of ownership of the inventories are transferred to the customers, which is generally when the inventories are delivered or shipped to customers and the customer assumes responsibility for them. t. Earnings (loss) per share - (i) The basic earnings from each ordinary share is calculated by dividing the majority net income by the weighted average of ordinary outstanding shares during the year; (ii) basic earnings (losses) per ordinary share by discontinued operations is calculated by dividing the net income by discontinued operations by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year. 5. Cash and cash equivalents 2007 Cash Cash equivalents $ 763,787 $ 787,682 $ 1,551,469 $ 2006 207,859 229,553 437,412 6. Accounts receivable 2007 2006 Customers $ 4,764,518 $ 1,931,010 Allowance for doubtful accounts (215,811) (54,710) 4,548,707 1,876,300 Others 174,149 54,444 $ 4,722,856 $ 1,930,744 7. Inventories 2007 Finished products $ Raw materials Goods in-transit Spare parts and paid in advanced Less- Allowance for obsolete and slow-moving inventory $ 1,625,426 $ 1,131,986 248,562 177,794 3,183,768 (531,143) 2,652,625 $ 2006 456,890 341,476 13,213 72,169 883,748 (33,540) 850,208 35 8. Derivative financial instruments During 2006, several of the Company’s subsidiaries contracted hedges to guarantee the fixed price of gas with Pemex Gas y Petroquímica Básica to protect themselves from the volatility of natural gas prices. At the 2006 close, these natural gas hedges represent a liability of $15,466, which was recorded under stockholders’ equity, net of the deferred tax effect. At the 2007 close, the Company has no derivative financial instruments. Furthermore, although certain subsidiaries have executed contracts with the characteristics of embedded derivatives, they do not meet the criteria for their separation from the host contract; accordingly, they were not valued or recorded. 9. Property, plant and equipment 2007 2006 Buildings and construction $ 3,350,819 $ 1,745,541 Machinery and equipment 15,674,485 8,199,754 Vehicles 34,616 80,955 Furniture and fixtures 695,986 179,200 19,755,906 10,205,450 Less- accumulated depreciation (12,019,209) (7,402,231) 7,736,697 2,803,219 Land 1,517,426 641,610 Construction in-progress 487,603 690,938 $ 9,741,726 $ 4,135,767 10. Intangible assets 36 Years of Amortization 2007 2006 Non – compete contract 5 $ 834,164 Materials supply contract – – Customer portfolio 12 518,767 Use of trademark 20 1,433,881 Goods usufruct contract 17 55,483 $ 2,842,295 $ 149,372 43,774 562,156 244,507 52,592 $ 1,052,401 11. Bank loans and current portion of long-term debt As of December 31, bank loans and long-term debt consist of the following: 2007 Loans in foreign currency: The Bank of Nova Scotia, Bhd. Loan of US$ 41 million, documented through promissory notes that incur interest at the LIBOR rate plus 1.5 points payable quarterly. Principal will be paid through 20 quarterly payments of US$ 2,050,000 beginning September 29, 2006, with maturity on June 30, 2011. $ Syndicated loan of US$ 635 million documented through promissory notes that incur interest at the LIBOR rate plus .875 payable quarterly. Principal will be settled through semiannual payments of US$ 70,555,555 beginning August 22, 2007, with maturity on August 22, 2012. During November 2007, The Company made a prepayment on the principal of US$ 34 million. – 6,560,336 2006 $ 408,014 – Comerica Bank, S.A. Loans of US$ 16 million documented through promissory notes that accrue quarterly interest at the LIBOR rate plus .875 payable quarterly. Principal will be paid through 15 quarterly payments of US$ 1,000,000 as of June 30, 2007, with maturity on March 30, 2011. 130,988 179,732 Banco de Bogotá, S.A., Bancolombia, S.A., Exim Bank Loans of US$ 35 million documented in promissory notes that accrue interest at different rates. Principal payments of varying amounts begin as of July 26, 2007, with maturity on December 28, 2016. 365,068 – Citibank Colombia, S.A. Loan of 4,500 million Colombian pesos that accrues interest at the DTF rate plus 3.6%. Principal will be paid through 12 quarterly payments of 350 million Colombian pesos and one payment of 300 million Colombian pesos, with maturity in 2009. 9,481 15,805 Banco do Brasil, S.A., Bancolombia, S.A., Banco Bice, Banco Itaú BBA, Santander Rio, among others. Revolving loans of 77 million Brazilian reales documented through several promissory notes that accrue interest at different rates, with maturity in December 2013. 477,959 – Banco Patagonia, S.A., Galicia, S.A., Banco Industrial, Banco Itaú BBA , Citibank, Santander Río, among others. Revolving loans of 33 million Argentinean pesos documented through several promissory notes that accrue interest at different rates, with maturity in February 2008. 115,682 – Bank Colombia, S.A. Loan of 42,914 million Colombian pesos that accrues annual interest at the LIBOR rate plus 2.98%, with maturity in December 2010. 232,504 – Banco Itaú BBA Revolving loans of US$ 5 million documented through several promissory notes that accrue half-yearly interest at the LIBOR rate plus 2.6%, with maturity in May 2011. 55,477 – Others Loan in Mexican pesos: Banco Inbursa, S.A. Unsecured loans documented through promissory notes that accrue quarterly interest at the TIIE rate plus 1.75 points. Principal will be paid through 23 quarterly payments of $43,750, with maturity on September 5, 2011. 6,879 – 729,250 8,683,624 863,669 1,467,220 Less – Bank loans and current portion of short-term debt 1,629,129 314,662 $ 7,054,495 $ 1,152,558 37 Long-term debt matures as follows: Payable during2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 $ $ 1,629,129 2,463,507 1,758,989 1,647,319 1,184,680 8,683,624 At December 31, 2007, the financing contracted with Citibank, Comerica Bank and Banco Inbursa, S.A. establishes certain restrictions calculated according to the Company’s consolidated figures, the most significant of which are as follows: a. Certain restrictions regarding the application of new liens b. Allows payment of dividends of up to 10% of operating profit plus the depreciation and amortization of the prior year. c. Maintain a consolidated interest hedge ratio of at least between 3.0 and 1.0 d. Maintain stockholders’ equity of at least $7,291,977 e. Maintain a leverage ratio with regard to EBITDA not exceeding 3.5 to 1.0 until June 2008, after which this ratio must be 3.0 to 1.0 f. Maintain long-term liabilities within a maximum stockholders’ equity of 1.50 g. Insure and maintain property and equipment in good working condition h. Comply with all applicable laws, rules, regulations and provisions i. Obtain the Bank’s prior authorization before acquiring other companies, shares, business interests or assets with a value in excess of US$ 50 million At the date of issuance of these consolidated financial statements, the Company has complied with all established restrictions and conditions. 12. Employee retirement obligations Prepaid employee retirement obligations result from the trust funds for employee retirement obligations, which cover pension, seniority premiums and severance payments. The amount due resulting from independent actuarial calculations is calculated using the projected unit credit method. The prepaid employee retirement obligations are analyzed as follows: 2007 Projected benefit obligation (“PBO”) $ Fund assets (Insufficiency) excess of funds assets Unamortized transition asset Variation in unamortized actuarial loss Projected net (liability) asset $ 2006 (181,716) 239,195 57,479 19,976 23,823 101,278 The net periodic (income) cost consists of: 2007 Labor cost $ Financial cost Return on fund assets Amortization of transition asset Effect of personnel reduction and early termination Effect of reduction and extinction of debentures Net cost (income) for the year $ 38 (407,395) $ 292,081 (115,314) 13,366 15,544 (86,404) $ 14,467 $ 11,201 (16,365) 3,112 (8,192) 3,080 7,303 $ 2006 10,695 10,807 (18,892) 2,111 (20,195) 628 (14,846) The rates used in the actuarial calculations were as follows: % Yield on plan assets Interest rate Salary increase 5.0 5.5 1.5 The average amortization period of unamortized items is as follows: Years remaining Transition asset Unrecognized actuarial loss 2007 2006 2 to 22 8 to 19 2 to 15 7 to 18 13. Shares in trust At December 31, 2007 and 2006, the Company has 1,680,558 and 1,418,450 Class II shares, respectively, of Mexichem, S.A.B. de C.V. in trust for assignment and sale to executives and employees. A committee is responsible for granting purchase rights and assigning the number of shares to each executive and employee. A sales price is determined based on the market value of the shares at the date of their assignment to executives and employees. At December 31, 2007, the cost of shares in trust is $35,283 (at face value) and is presented in the financial statements as shares in trust. 14. Stockholders’ equity Paid-in capital – At December 31, 2007 and 2006, common stock consists of 548,800,000 and 490,000,000 shares comprised, respectively, of Class I nominative, ordinary shares, at no par value, fully subscribed and paid. Variable capital consists of Class II nominative shares, at no par value, which may not exceed 10 times minimum fixed capital without right for withdrawal. Subscribed common stock is as follows: Number of shares 2007 Subscribed Capital Class I Class II Less Shares in trust 2006 Amount 2007 2006 426,752,256 122,047,744 548,800,000 426,752,256 $ 422,423 $ 406,567 63,247,744 1,749,600 60,256 490,000,000 2,172,023 466,823 1,680,558 547,119,442 1,418,450 35,283 12,140 488,581,550 $ 2,136,740 $ 454,683 The Stockholders’ Ordinary General Meeting of April 19, 2007, approved a capital increase consisting of 58,800,000 Class II shares at the price of 29 Mexican pesos per share. Earned capital – The Stockholders’ Ordinary General Meeting of July 9, 2007, approved the declaration of dividends for the amount of $277,346 ($270,000 at face value) applied to the Net Tax Income Account (CUFIN), payable in kind through the delivery of shares representing the common stock Dermet, equal to 5.07 Mexican pesos per share. The Stockholders’ Ordinary General Meeting of November 7, 2007, approved the declaration of cash dividends with a charge to the CUFIN balance for the amount of $286,954 ($285,376 at face value), equal to $0.52 for each outstanding share. This dividend will be paid through four equal payments in January, March, May and July 2008. At the Stockholders’ Ordinary General Meeting held on December 6, 2006, the stockholders, approved a declaration of dividends for $224,008 ($215,000 at face value) applied to the CUFIN. Such dividend was settled in four payments made during January, April, July, and October 2007. Stockholders’ equity, except restated paid-in capital and tax retained earnings will be subject to income taxes payable by the Company at the rate in effect upon distribution. Any tax paid on such distribution may be credited against annual and estimated income taxes of the year in which the tax on dividends is paid and the following two fiscal years. Retained earnings include the statutory legal reserve. The General Corporate Law requires that at least 5% of net income of the year be transferred to the legal reserve until the reserve equals 20% of capital stock at par value (historical pesos). The legal reserve may be capitalized but may not be distributed unless the entity is dissolved. The legal reserve must be replenished if it is reduced for any reason. At December 31, 2007 and 2006, the legal reserve, at historical pesos, was $93,364 and $57,016, respectively. 39 15. Comprehensive financing cost 2007 Interest income $ Interest expense Exchange gain (loss), net Monetary position gain $ 54,233 (675,219) 147,830 101,477 (371,679) 2006 $ $ 17,669 (151,243) (23,694) 6,912 (150,356) 16. Foreign currency balances and transactions At December 31, 2007 and 2006, assets, liabilities and transactions denominated in foreign currency other than the functional currencies of each reported unit converted to US dollars, are as follows: Thousands of U.S. dollars 2007 Current assets Liabilities Current Long-term Total Net monetary liability position 106,230 (369,685) (573,942) (943,627) (741,992) (174,176) (32,449) (206,625) (100,395) The principal transactions carried out by the Mexican companies in foreign currency, excluding purchases of machinery and equipment, are: Thousands of U.S. dollars 2007 Sales Purchases Net 201,635 2006 700,749 (547,608) 153,141 2006 406,020 (347,965) 58,055 The prices of the main products of the companies are based on conditions in the international market. 17. Transactions and balances with related parties Balances due from and to related parties are as follows: 40 2007 2006 Due from related parties Grupo Dermet, S.A. de C.V. $ Mexalit, S.A. de C.V. C. I. Geon Polimeros Andinos, S.A. Banco Ve por Más, S.A. Others $ 9,085 $ 2,213 110,531 4,558 182 126,569 $ – – – – – – Due to related parties Grupo Empresarial Kaluz, S.A. de C.V. $ Servicios Kaluz, S.A. de C.V. Aerokaluz, S.A. de C.V. Others $ 170,481 $ – 3,756 – 174,237 $ 137,985 1,360 – 1,090 140,435 The Company carried out the following transactions with related parties: 2007 2006 Revenues from Sales $ Administrative services Interest $ – $ 977 3,276 4,253 $ 4,346 1,786 1,396 7,528 Expenses from Administrative services $ Donations Other $ 159,439 $ 13,583 2,123 175,145 $ 109,800 10,209 2,718 122,727 Furthermore, the Company has performed transactions with Banco Ve por Más, S.A. and Casa de Bolsa Arka, S.A. mainly involving loans, interest, investments and corporate banking services. These transactions have been performed according to market conditions and values. Employee benefits granted to Company key management (and/or prominent executives) were as follows: 2007 Direct benefits $ Severance benefits Postretirement benefits 75,360 $ 1,061 25,651 2006 59,107 513 18,827 18. Tax Issues a) ISR ISR is calculated based on the tax result and primarily differs from the accounting profit due to the treatment of comprehensive financing cost, provisions created for labor obligations, depreciation and other accounting provisions. Tax losses can be applied against the tax income of future periods. The ISR rates applicable in 2007 in the countries where the Company operates are as follows: ISR rates % Argentina Brasil Chile Colombia Costa Rica Ecuador El Salvador United States of America Guatemala Honduras México Nicaragua Panamá Perú Venezuela 35 34 17 34 30 25 25 34 31 25 28 30 30 30 34 41 b) Asset tax In certain countries where Mexichem operates, such as Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Argentina, Colombia and Perú, asset tax is payable, although it is generally only paid on the amount by which it exceeds ISR of the year. However, tax can be credited against ISR and is calculated according to the local laws of each country by applying the following rates to the majority of net assets: Asset tax rates % México Guatemala Nicaragua Argentina Colombia Perú 1.25 1.00 1.00 1.00 6.00 1.00 c) Business flat tax in Mexico: The 2008 tax reform was approved on September 14, 2007. The most significant amendment was the creation of a new tax in Mexico. Business Flat Tax (IETU) will replace Asset Tax and will reflect the application whereby tax was calculated based on the lowest consolidated rate, except for amounts paid that could not be credited to future ISR payments. Payable tax is the highest amount obtained after comparing IETU or ISR, calculated according to the provisions of the Income Tax Law. IETU is applicable at the 17.5% rate after 2009. In 2008 and 2009, the applicable rates will be 16.5% and 17%, respectively. As IETU is calculated based on cash flows, the tax calculation basis will be determined depending on the origin of cash and after applying certain deductions and credits. In the case of revenues derived from export sales in which cash has not been collected in the last 12 months, revenues will be considered as collected at the end of this 12-month period. Based on its financial projections, the Company determined that it will basically pay only ISR. Therefore, the enactment of IETU did not have any effects on its financial information, since it only recognizes deferred ISR. Taxes on income are as follows: 2007 ISR: Current Deferred $ $ 717,521 $ 28,990 746,511 $ 2006 485,081 40,364 525,445 The Company files consolidated ISR and IMPAC tax returns, including its Mexican subsidiaries in the percentage that it holds the voting stock of the subsidiaries at the close of the year. Income tax for the foreign subsidiaries is incurred in accordance with the rules of the respective income tax law in such countries. Effective tax rate is different from legal tax rate due to certain permanent differences, such as non deductible expenses and inflation effects. At December 31, 2007 and 2006, the main items comprising the (asset) liability balance of deferred income tax are as follows: 2007 Property, plant and equipment $ 1,091,585 $ Inventories, net (82,828) Accrued liabilities which will be deductible when paid (102,706) Tax loss carryforwards (1,347,234) Recoverable asset tax (22,528) Financial instruments – Estimate allowance for tax loss carryforwards and asset tax 1,130,568 Employee profit sharing (20,518) Others 180,087 Net deferred tax liability $ 826,426 $ 42 2006 746,289 74,679 (68,530) (3,492) (10,102) (4,331) – (27,327) 96,693 803,879 Movements of deferred tax liabilities during the year were as follows: 2007 Beginning balance $ Deferred income tax provision applied to results Accumulated deficit from restatement Deferred effect of assets and liabilities of acquired companies Financial instruments Others $ 803,879 $ 28,990 – (19,851) – 13,408 826,426 $ 2006 777,613 40,364 10,628 – (47,219) 22,493 803,879 Tax loss carryforwards and recoverable IMPAC for which the deferred ISR asset and prepaid ISR, respectively, of the individual entities, have been recognized can be recovered subject to certain conditions. Restated amounts as of December 31, 2007 and expiration dates are: Year of Expiration Tax Loss Carry forwards 2008 $ 7,521 $ 2009 – 2010 – 2012 – 2013 – 2014 30,681 2015 11,611 2016 – 2017 595,217 Without maturity 2,744,140 $ 3,389,170 $ Recoverable IMPAC 6,356 3,425 5,984 3,290 16,595 16,246 12,208 12,822 3,537 – 80,463 In Brazil and Peru, tax losses are not restated and do not expire, only in Brazil can be applied for up to 30% of the taxable profit of the year. When determining deferred ISR according to the preceding paragraphs, the Company included the effects of tax loss carryforwards and recoverable IMPAC of $1,108,040 and $22,528, respectively; however, these amounts were reserved because their recovery is not likely. 19. Discontinued operations As discussed in Note 2 (b), in July 2007, a dividend to be paid in kind to the stockholders of Mexichem was approved, which was recorded in accounting as the sale of the Distribution segment. The financial information of the distribution segment (Dermet) at the sale date is summarized as follows: Revenues from discontinued operations $1,126,996 Costs and expenses (1,114,410) Comprehensive financing cost (21,897) Other expenses (7,151) Income tax (752) Minority interest 6,860 Net loss of discontinued operations $ (10,354) 43 20. Contingencies and commitments a. Lawsuits The Company is involved in commercial, tax and labor lawsuits. These processes have arisen during the normal course of business and are common in the industry in which the companies operate. The estimated amount of these lawsuits is $380,000, for which a liability has been recorded for the amount of $300,000, which includes other long-term liabilities presented on the consolidated balance sheet. With regard to the difference of $80,000 and in the opinion of the Company’s internal and external attorneys, the possibility that these contingencies will result in unfavorable verdicts has a risk level of less than probable, but higher than remote. In any case, the Company considers that these lawsuits will not have an adverse material effect on its consolidated financial position. Most of these contingencies have been recorded as a result of recent business acquisitions. Since before its acquisition, Amanco Brasil, Ltda. has been involved in a lawsuit for the approximate amount of US$ 13.5 million, which centers on the termination and eventual compensation for the distribution relationship with a contractor. b. Commitments At December 31, 2007, the Company has contractual machinery and equipment capital lease commitments and real property operating lease commitments for the amount of $716,904. Maturities of contractual commitments expressed in Mexican pesos at December 31, 2007, are as follows: Years Mexican Pesos 2008 $ 319,470 2009 292,335 2010 87,618 2011 and subsequent years 17,481 $ 716,904 The rental expense was $156,474 for the year ended December 31, 2007. In July 2007, the Company executed an agreement with Dow Chemical, Inc. for the amount of US$ 10 million to guarantee the supply of raw materials during three years, which will be applied to cost of sales according to the straight-line method during that period. On September 14, 2007, a ruling was obtained from the Superintendence of Industry and Commerce of Colombia whereby the Company agreed to sell all the property plant and equipment of its subsidiary Celta, S.A. within a maximum nine-month period as of the ruling date. Consequently, these assets have been valued at their estimated realizable value without exceeding their restated acquisition cost. The subsidiary Amanco México, S.A. de C.V. is in the process of selling the land and building of one of its plants which, at December 31, 2007, had a net accounting value of $52,914, which was classified as assets available-for-sale within current assets. 44 21. Pro forma financial statements Consolidated pro forma financial information (unaudited) is presented as though reflecting events at December 31, 2007 and 2006. This pro forma information does not necessarily present the figures that would have been obtained had the acquisition been performed as of January 1, 2006. 2007 2006 (Unaudited Condensed balance sheet figures) Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,551,469 $ 1,114,766 Accounts receivable 4,722,856 4,804,419 Due from related parties 126,569 – Inventories 2,652,625 2,723,965 Other current assets 269,409 67,909 Property, plant and equipment, net 9,741,726 7,582,464 Intangible assets, net 2,842,295 1,827,739 Goodwill 2,709,899 3,291,295 Other assets, net 461,006 1,051,468 Total $ 25,077,854 $22,464,025 Bank loans $ 1,629,129 $ 9,171,884 Accounts payable to suppliers 4,601,840 3,841,670 Due to related parties 174,237 – Other accounts payable, provisions and accrued liabilities 1,975,949 1,135,467 Bank loans and long-term debt 7,054,495 2,444,602 Deferred income taxes 826,426 837,802 Other liabilities 653,322 328,628 Total liabilities 16,915,398 17,760,053 Stockholders’ equity 8,162,456 4,703,972 Total $ 25,077,854 $22,464,025 2007 Condensed statement of income Net sales Cost of sales Operating expenses Other expenses, net Comprehensive financing cost Income taxes Consolidated net income (Unaudited figures) 2006 (Unaudited figures) $ 25,649,359 $21,545,861 (17,525,471) (16,210,995) (4,693,782) (2,663,194) (366,127) (106,278) (346,238) (395,947) (751,794) (729,970) $ 1,965,947 $ 1,439,477 45 22. Information by industry segment The Company has three business chains in different geographical areas of Mexico and Latin America. A summary of the most important financial statement headings by operating chain at December 31, 2007 and 2006, is detailed below: 2007 Vinyl/ Chlorine Fluorine Fluid Conduction Holding company Total Total assets $ 11,854,447 $ 1,919,653 $ 8,113,650 $ 3,190,104 $25,077,854 Net sales $ 11,188,496 $ 2,086,758 $ 9,727,616 $ 14,451 $23,017,321 Operating income (loss) $ 1,443,754 $ 780,885 $ 1,375,259 $ (329,801) $ 3,270,097 Net income for the year $ 382,250 $ 362,982 $ 951,717 $ 144,755 $ 1,841,704 EBITDA $ 1,880,404 $ 920,251 $ 1,687,800 $ (134,400) $ 4,354,055 EBITDA per share $ $ 1.68 $ $ 3.43 3.08 (0.26) $ 7.93 2006 Vinyl/ Chlorine Fluorine Distribution (discontinued operations) Holding company Total Total assets $ 7,255,661 $ 1,776,721 $ 1,440,993 $ 337,851 $10,811,226 Net sales $ 8,539,471 $ 1,858,947 $ – $ 18,709 $10,417,127 Operating income (loss) $ 1,514,469 $ 707,808 $ – $ (224,238) $ 1,998,039 Net income for the year $ 647,333 $ 426,633 $ 1,896 $ 109,868 $ 1,185,730 EBITDA $ 1,771,009 $ 843,247 $ – $ (128,765) $ 2,485,491 EBITDA per share $ $ 1.72 $ – $ (0.26) 3.59 $ 5.05 23. Subsequent event a. On January 23, 2008, Amanco Brasil, Ltda., a subsidiary of Mexichem acquired 70% of the shares of DVG Industria e Comercio de Plásticos Limitada (Plastubos). Furthermore, Amanco Brasil, Ltda. also has the option of acquiring the remaining 30% in a period of between three to five years. Plastubos is a Brazilian entity specializing in the production of rigid PVC pipes used for drinking water and drainage and primarily serves the housing, infrastructure, irrigation and electricity markets. b. Mexichem acquired the Argentinian company Dripsa, S.R.L., which is engaged in the design, sale and installation of irrigation equipment, water management solutions, significant projects in the area of biofuels and foods, sectors that demand state-of-the-art technology and excellent services throughout Latin America. c. Mexichem announced that it executed an outline agreement to acquire the entity denominated Productos Derivados de la Sal, S.A. (Prodesal), which is subject to the approval of the Colombian government. Prodesal is located in Cali, Colombia, and produces and markets salt derivatives ranging from salt for human and industrial use to chlorinated derivatives including chlorine, caustic soda, sodium hypochlorite, clorohydric acid and iron chloride. d. Amanco México, S.A. de C.V., a subsidiary of Mexichem, has reached a preliminary agreement to acquire 100% of the shares of Tubos Flexibles, S.A. de C.V., which is subject to the approval of the respective authorities and the subscription of definitive documentation to the full satisfaction of the parties. 46 Tubos Flexibles, S.A. de C.V. is a company located in Mexico that produces and markets PVC, CPVC, polythene and poly-propylene pipes and connections. e. Mexichem Derivados, S.A. de C.V., a subsidiary of Mexichem, has reached a preliminary agreement to acquire 100% of the shares of Quimir, S.A. de C.V., a chemical sector company specializing in the phosphate business. This transaction is subject to the approval of the respective authorities. f. In January and February 2008, Mexichem contracted derivative financial instruments for purposes other than hedging that were valued and recorded at fair value. The difference between the initial value of these derivative financial instruments and their fair value was recorded in the statement of income. At February 29, 2008, the fair value of these financial instruments is $94,885, which represents a liability for Mexichem. g. On March 14, 2008, an agreement was reached through a public auction with Tuvinil, S.A., a Colombian entity, for the sale of the assets described in Note 20 (b). Consequently, at December 31, 2007, the net amount of $98,230 was classified on the accompanying balance sheet as fixed assets available for sale within current assets. 24. New accounting principles In 2007, the Mexican Board for Research and Development of Financial Information Standards (CINIF) issued the following NIFs and Interpretations of Financial Reporting Standards (“INIF”), which became effective for fiscal years beginning on January 1, 2008: NIF B-2, Statement of Cash Flows. NIF B-10, Effects of Inflation. NIF B-15, Translation of Foreign Currencies. NIF D-3, Employee Benefits. NIF D-4, Taxes on Income. INIF 5, Recognition of the Additional Consideration Agreed To at the Inception of a Derivative Financial Instrument to Adjust It to Fair Value. INIF 6, Timing of Formal Hedge Designation. INIF 7, Application of Comprehensive Income or Loss Resulting From a Cash Flow Hedge on a Forecasted Purchase of a Non-Financial Asset. At the date of issuance of these consolidated financial statements, the Company has not fully assessed the effects of adopting these new standards on its financial information. 25. Financial statements issuance authorization The consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2006, were approved by the Stockholders’ General Meeting of April 18, 2007. The issuance of the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2007, was approved on April 2, 2008, by the Company’s Audit Committee and is subject to the approval of the Board of Directors and Stockholders’ General Meeting, which could require their modification according to the General Corporate Law. 47 Report from the Chief Executive Officer 2007 MEXICHEM, S.A.B. AND SUBSIDIARIES • (Subsidiary of Grupo Empresarial Kaluz, S.A. de C.V.) The Mexichem strategy In addition to defining our general strategy, to add value to our basic raw materials, salt and fluorite, we have established a corporate strategy that focuses on growth and efficiency in the chemical and petrochemical sectors. To achieve this, we are undertaking a series of steps that will permit us to achieve growth through the vertical integration of three productive chains: Chlorine-Vinyl, Fluorine, and Fluid Conduction Transformed Products, ensuring that each of these links will generate important synergies and economies of scale and the long-term viability of our business. Therefore, when defining our strategies, one of our priorities has been to reduce the effects of cyclicality and volatility inherent in the products closest to our raw materials. In an industry such as ours, cost reduction presents a constant challenge. We have established research and development programs and have created the Mexichem research and development center (CID), which has allowed us to achieve significant cost reductions thanks to both our proprietary technologies and our ability to develop and implement third-party technologies. Each year, we direct 3.5% of sales to the Mexichem CID. Information technology also plays a very important role in our operational efficiency. This is why we have implemented the SAP platform, which provides real-time operational and financial information, and have created an internal task force that permits us to install this system within less than four months in each company that we acquire. In addition, our people play a prominent role in the definition, implementation, and execution of our strategy. As a result, we convert intellectual capital into structural capital and promote the valuable human talents of creativity and innovation. Because we understand that construction is the principal driver of Mexichem’s growth—nearly 70% of sales are related to this segment—and that the primary axis of development is Latin America, we have focused our strategy on this region. This focus has enabled us to maintain our vertical integration strategy and, at the same time, increase our geographic coverage in the regions and countries with the highest potential for growth and profitability. Today we have a broad presence throughout the Americas, with production installations in 15 countries and a presence in 30 countries. This strategy has permitted us to consolidate our markets and better distribute risk and has given us a competitive advantage and a better perspective, especially in the face of a possible recession in the United States. We have established as annual growth objectives 20% in sales, 20% in EBITDA, and 20% in ROE; we have defined these goals as our 20/20/20 vision. Likewise, we seek to maintain our strategic definition of growth and efficiency with sufficient cash flow to maintain sustainable and conservative growth. We have established a target net-debt-toEBITDA ratio of two times; if for any reason we need to increase this ratio, our commitment is to return to our target level within 12 months. With these strategic definitions, we have positioned Mexichem as the leading company in Latin America in the market sectors and products in which we participate. We will continue to exploit the opportunities this market offers, consolidating the industry and integrating productive chains that are balanced at each link, in order to make Mexichem the leader in Latin America’s chemical and petrochemical sector. Results Sales The accumulated sales at the end of the year totaled MXN23,017 million, 121% higher than in 2006. The increase is due primarily to the Group expansion strategy, with the acquisition in February and March 2007 of Amanco and Petroquímica Colombiana (Petco), which reported ten and nine-month sales of MXN9,728 and MXN2,512 million, respectively. Efficiency and productivity Operating income in 2007 was MXN3,270 million, 64% higher than that of the previous year. Operating income plus depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) was MXN4,354 million, 75% higher than in 2006. The growth is due to the MXN1,688 million of EBITDA in Amanco and MXN561 million in Petco. We maintained full plant utilization capacity and achieved cost savings thanks to greater efficiency in plant operation and fixed-cost reduction by exploiting synergies throughout the subsidiary companies. All of the above allows us to manufacture products having greater added value. Profit sharing Profit sharing was MXN127 million, 29% greater than the figure for the previous year. Comprehensive financing cost At the end of 2007, the integrated financial cost reflected an increase of 147% versus 2006, due mainly to the net effect of higher interest paid of MXN675 million, a net foreign-exchange gain of MXN148 million, and net monetary position gain of MXN101 million. 48 Income tax Income tax rose to MXN746 million, 42% more than the previous year. Net earnings Consolidated net majority income of 2007 was MXN1,823 million, 53% greater than that of the same period of the previous year. General balance sheet Financial debt Financial debt increased by MXN7,216 million due to the fact that we secured bank financing of approximately USD736 million for the acquisition of Amanco and Petco, and to the recognition of internal debt of both companies. In August, we restructured our debt for an amount of USD635 million over a five-year period, with a preferential rate of LIBOR + 0.875, a one-year grace period, and capital amortization twice per year. In addition, we prepaid approximately USD93 million in certain financing during the fourth quarter of 2007. With this, Mexichem concludes the renegotiation stage of its recent acquisitions, confirming its commitment to a net-debtto-EBITDA ratio of less than two times at the end of the current year. This gives us greater financial flexibility to exploit opportunities for future growth. Deferred taxes Deferred tax liability is MXN826 million, generated primarily by the impact of fixed assets. Accounting capital The increase in accounting capital is due primarily to net income of MXN1,823 million for the period, as well as the issue of 58,800,000 class II shares in May 2007, which allowed Mexichem, S.A.B. de C.V., to increase the nominal value of its common stock by MXN1,705 million. At the ordinary general stockholders meeting on November 7, 2007, Mexichem agreed to payment of a cash dividend to its stockholders equivalent to MXN0.52, payable in four payments of MXN0.13 each. Divestment of subsidiaries The board of directors evaluated and decided to divest its distribution business, Dermet de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. (Dermet), and, at the ordinary stockholders meeting on July 9, 2007, approved payment of a dividend in the amount of MXN270 million (nominal value), payable in kind by way of the delivery of representative shares of Dermet common stock. Therefore, the assets, liabilities, and results of this business as of December 31, 2006, are shown as a discontinued operation and caused a net loss of MXN10 million in the results. Foreign currency position The foreign currency liability position on the balance sheet is USD742 million. Sales by chain Chlorine-Vinyl Chain Sales totaled MXN11,188 million, 31% more than in 2006. Sales volume was 1.593 million tonnes, 21% more than in 2006. EBITDA was MXN1,880 million, 6% higher than in 2006. Pemex’s chlorine consumption during the year was 133,746 tonnes, 5% more than in the previous year. The above data includes nine months of operation of Petco, with sales of MXN2,512 million and EBITDA of MXN561 million. This also includes the operation of Mexichem America Inc. which reported sales of MXN211 million and EBITDA of MXN19 million. Fluorine Chain Sales during the period totaled MXN2,087 million, 12% higher than that reported in 2006. The volume was 911 thousand tonnes, 10% more than in 2006, and EBITDA was MXN920 million, 9% higher than in the previous year. The hydrofluoric acid purifier was completed In May 2006, enabling us to use fluorite from our mine. This advance ensures a supply of our principal raw material and enables us to fully integrate this productive chain and generate significant improvement in our margins. In addition, the increased flotation capacity of the San Luis Potosí mine will give this chain much higher profitability and establish a more solid platform for growth toward greater-value-added products. Fluid Conduction Transformed Products The sales of Amanco between March and December totaled MXN9,728 million, and EBITDA totaled MXN1,688 million. We expect this acquisition, one of our most recent, to contribute to our strategy of adding greater value to our basic raw material and thus strengthening our positioning in Latin America. Amanco is a regional leader as both an industrial conglomerate and a producer and seller of PVC pipe for use in the conduction of fluid, primarily water. 49 Internal control Our laws call for the existence of an audit committee and a corporate practices committee to assist the board of directors in the performance of its duties. The audit committee consists of independent directors. The committee is governed by a rule, established by the board of directors, that ensures that there are mechanisms that allow the board to determine whether the company complies with applicable regulations. The committee is supported by the internal control area (internal audit) and by external advisors it considers appropriate. The corporate practices committee is responsible for evaluating the performance of the executive officers; reviewing transactions between related parties; reviewing officers’ compensation; and evaluating any dispensation granted to directors or executive officers so that they make take advantage of business opportunities. Recent events As part of its plan for growth and consolidation in the Latin American market, Mexichem plans to invest approximately USD300 million within the next 12 months to acquire companies in Mexico and Latin America. We will make these investments primarily in the Chlorine-Vinyl and Fluid Conduction Transformed Products chains. In addition, to add value to its primary raw materials, Mexichem plans an investment of USD700 million over the next five years in more than 12 projects that are currently in the feasibility study stage. With these investments, Mexichem plans to keeps its sales and EBITDA growth levels at more than 20%, in addition to preserving the solid financial structure that has permitted it to achieve its current growth and profitability levels. On January 23, 2008, Amanco Brazil Ltda., a Mexichem subsidiary, acquired 70% of the company DVG Industria e Comercio de Plásticos Limitada (Plastubos). Amanco Brazil Ltda. has the option to buy the remaining 30% over a period of three to five years. Plastubos is a Brazilian company that specializes in the production of rigid PVC pipe for potable water and drainage systems and serves the housing, infrastructure, irrigation, and electrical markets. In late January 2008, Mexichem acquired the Argentine company Dripsa S.R.L., which is dedicated to the design, sale, and installation of irrigation equipment and water-handling solutions in major projects in the biofuels and food sectors—both of which demand excellence in technology and service—throughout Latin America. Mexichem announced the signing of a draft agreement for the acquisition, subject to the approval of the Colombian authorities, of the company Productos Derivados de la Sal, S.A. (Prodesal). Prodesal is a company based in Cali, Colombia, that produces and markets salt derivatives ranging from salt for human and industrial consumption to derived chlorates, including chlorine, soda, sodium hypochlorite, hydrochloric acid, and ferric chloride. Amanco Mexico, S.A. de C.V., a Mexichem subsidiary, has reached an agreement in principle to acquire 100% of Tubos Flexibles, S.A. de C.V. Pending final documentation satisfactory to the parties, the acquisition is subject to approval of the relevant authorities. Located in Mexico, Tubos Flexibles produces and markets PVC, CPVC, polyethylene, and polypropylene pipe and fittings. Mexichem Derivados, S.A. de C.V., a subsidiary of Mexichem, has reached an agreement in principle to acquire 100% of the shares of Quimir, S.A. de C.V., a company in the chemical sector that specializes in the phosphate business. This transaction is subject to the approval of the relevant authorities. Very sincerely, Ricardo Gutiérrez Muñoz Chief Executive Officer 50 Report of the Corporate Practices and Audit Committees MEXICHEM, S.A.B. DE C.V., AND SUBSIDIARIES • (Subsidiary of Grupo Empresarial Kaluz, S.A. de C.V.) Mexico City, April 29, 2008 To the members of the board of directors of Mexichem, S.A.B. de C.V., and its subsidiaries: As Chairman of the corporate practices and audit committees of Mexichem, S.A.B. de C.V., and its subsidiaries (Mexichem), I advise the following: During the period, five sessions of the committees were held on the following dates: March 21, July 17, and October 17, 2007, and January 16 and April 2, 2008; these meetings were attended by most of the members of the audit committee, the external and internal auditors, and the Mexichem officials who appeared at the request of the committees. The activities and resolutions agreed to were approved in respective acts. In compliance with article 43, sections I and II, paragraphs (a) to (d) and (a) to (h), respectively, of the New Law on the Securities Market and its internal regulations, I submit the report on activities corresponding to the period ending December 31, 2007. I. Remuneration to Officers The full remunerations packages of the chief executive officer and the executive officers of the Company were reviewed. II. Transactions with related parties Transactions with related parties were reviewed, and the committees verified that there were no atypical activities; these are transcribed in note 17 of the audited financial statements for 2007, and their reasonableness is supported by a study of transfer prices. III. Share Purchase Plan by Managers and Employees The share purchase option plan for managers and employees of the company and its subsidiaries was reviewed and approved. IV. Evaluation of the internal control system These committees, considering the results of the evaluations of the internal control system’s operation issued by the internal auditor, the external auditor, and the chief executive officer in compliance with the legal conditions applied, considers the internal accounting control system maintained by Mexichem to meet management objectives for internal control and offers reasonable security, in all important aspects, that errors or irregularities during the normal course of operations will be prevented or detected. However, it should be noted that the acquisitions of the last year are being standardized to the internal control systems of the Company. V. Evaluation of the internal audit function The audit committee has remained alert to the needs of the internal audit area in order that it has sufficient human and material resources for the suitable performance of its function. In this respect, the work programs and activities during the year 2007 were satisfactorily met, and the work plan for 2008 was approved. Similarly, the members of the committees have met the director of internal audit outside the presence of other company managers to receive the information that they have considered appropriate. VI. Evaluation of the performance of external audit Galaz, Yamazaki, Ruiz Urquiza, S.C. (Deloitte), was contracted as external auditors of the Company, and the fees corresponding to the period 2007 were properly reviewed and approved. The external auditor received the financial statements as of December 31, 2007, with a clean report without observations, which highlighted the cooperation by all areas of the Company in completing this task. Similarly, the work of the external auditors Galaz, Yamazaki, Ruiz Urquiza, S.C. (Deloitte), and that of Mr. Carlos Moya Vallejo, the responsible partner, was evaluated and found to be satisfactory. The external auditors confirmed their independence. The members of the committees have met the external auditor outside the presence of company managers and obtained his full cooperation to receive additional information on the subjects discussed, when requested. 51 VII. Financial information The financial statements of the Company were discussed with the executives responsible for their preparation and review; there were no observations to the financial information corresponding to the quarters ending in March, June, September, and December 2007; before their delivery to the Mexican Stock Exchange, the financial statements were approved by the committees. For the preparation of this report we have heard from the executive officers of the company, and there was no difference of opinion among them. VIII.Accounting policies The principal accounting policies followed by Mexichem were reviewed and approved in terms of the information received as a result of the new regulations. The accounting policies, criteria, and information observed by the Company are adequate, sufficient, and applied on consistent bases. IX. Report from the chief executive officer The report from the chief executive officer on the activities of the year 2007 was received and approved. X. Legal report The legal report was received on the status of current matters and litigation. XI. Proposal Based on the work performed, it is recommended that the board of directors submit the financial statements of Mexichem for the fiscal year ending on December 31, 2007, for approval of the stockholders meeting. Very sincerely, Fernando Ruiz Sahagún Chairman of the Audit Committee 52 Design: www.signi.com.mx 1,664.6 1,299.4 1,256.6 364.4 8,331.1 6,375.8 MEXCHEM 28.1 % increase in operating income 03 04 05 06 07 Sales Fluorine Chain 04 05 06 07 1,858.9 2,086.7 225.9 367.3 424.6 707.8 780.9 MXN millions 03 04 05 06 07 03 04 05 06 07 % increase in sales 10.3 Subscription date September 1978 Number of outstanding shares 548.8 million Independent auditor Galaz, Yamazaki, Ruiz Urquiza, S.C. Member of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Operating income Fluorine Chain MXN millions 12.3 03 1,498.3 Acid-grade fluorspar is a concentrated mineral from which some impurities have been eliminated. When combined with sulfuric acid, which comes from sulfur, this fluorite is used in the manufacture of hydrofluoric acid. Hydrofluoric acid is utilized primarily in the manufacture of refrigerant gases for air conditioners, refrigerators, and freezers. It is also is used as a propellant in gasoline; for pickling stainless steel; to make nuclear fuels, integrated circuits, and Teflon coatings; and to produce fluoridated salts, including lithium salts used in batteries and sodium-fluoride salts used in toothpaste. Markets where quoted Mexican stock exchange, Bolsa Mexicana de Valores (BMV), Mexico Ticker symbol on the BMV increase in sales Fluorine Chain Calcium fluoride, better known as fluorspar, is a nonmetallic mineral which, in its essential function as a flux, is considered metallurgical grade. In its natural form, this mineral, extracted from the earth, is used to provide significant energy savings in the steel, cement, glass, and ceramic industries. MXN millions 6,297.4 % 2,535.4 30.7 2,045.0 MXN millions 1,101.2 Soda is used to manufacture soap, shampoo, cream, and detergent and is also used for water treatment. Chlorine is used to produce cleaners, purify water, disinfect floors and walls, bleach paper, and to make white pigments. Our acquisition of the Colombian company Prodesal allows us to maintain balance in each link of the chain and continue to grow in those regions and product lines that bring us the highest profit potential. Operating income Chlorine-Vinyl Chain 564.8 Salt is the origin of the chlorine-vinyl chain, which we convert into chlorine and soda. We add value to chlorine through the vinyl chloride monomer (VCM), ethylene plus chlorine, which, when converted to PVC, is used to make many different products. PVC is used predominately in housing and infrastructure construction; for example, it is used to make pipe, which is used in homes as well as in large-diameter water and drainage pipes, and also to manufacture cable coatings, window frames, doors, floors, kitchen coatings, closets, bathrooms, ceilings, facades, and many other products. Sales Chlorine-Vinyl Chain 234.1 Chlorine-Vinyl Chain Investor Relations Enrique Ortega Prieto Director of Strategic Planning and Investor Relations Tel. 52 (55) 53 66 40 65 Fax. 52 (55) 53 97 88 36 eortega@mexichem.com % increase in operating income Our Transformed Products processes include the manufacture of plasticizers and phthalic anhydride. Because phthalic anhydride is the primary raw material for plasticizers and the manufacture of styrene, both laminated and expanded, Mexichem uses phthalic anhydride to create its own manufacturing chain. Applications for laminated polystyrene include products such as illuminated bus stop signs, and decorative applications include products such as translucent or opaque laminates. One of the principal applications of expanded polystyrene is to lighten the weight of concrete slabs in construction. % 215.0 191.3 34.5 25.9 12,599.5 MXN millions 2,182.4 MXN millions 1,823.4 Operating income Transformed Products 383.4 477.3 Sales Transformed Products 287.5 This chain integrates the processes and products with the highest aggregate value, such as PVC compounds and products made to client specifications to be transformed into final products, such as cable coatings, blood or dialysis bags, films, toys, and other products. These products are formulated with other additives to meet the desired characteristics of the final product and for optimal processing in the clients’ equipment. The most important product in this chain, however, is PVC pipe, which we produce for all of Latin America and which provides for the development and well-being of millions of people. Even when the pipe is made with different plastic or polymers, the most widely used is PVC. Given that Mexichem is the largest integrated producer of PVC in Latin America, our market position is outstanding. 1,154.3 Transformed Products Chain increase in sales 436.9 % increase in operating income 03 04 05 06 07 03 04 05 06 07 This document contains certain statements about the general information of MEXICHEM, S.A.B. de C.V. (Mexichem), regarding its activities today. This document includes a summary of information about Mexichem, which is not intended to cover all information related to the company. This information was not included to give specific advice to investors. The statements contained herein reflect the current vision of Mexichem with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Several factors could cause future results, performance, or achievements of Mexichem to differ from those expressed or assumed in the following statements. If one or more of these risks were to occur, or the assumptions or estimates are proved incorrect, the results in the future could vary significantly from those described, anticipated, alleged, estimated, expected, or budgeted. Mexichem does not intend to update the statements presented below nor does it assume any obligation to do so. Annual Report 2007 MEXICHEM is a Mexican group of chemical and petrochemical companies that are leaders in the Latin American market, have annual sales of nearly USD2.2 billion, and export to more than 50 countries. With more than 50 years of growth and 29 years on the Mexican stock exchange, we actively contribute to the development of the country, as our principal products have a broad market in the most dynamic growth sectors— construction, housing, infrastructure, potable water, urban sewage, and irrigation systems—in Mexico and throughout Latin America. Mexichem is one of the five most efficient producers in the world. We have the most important chlorine, soda, and PVC plants in Latin America, a region in which we are also the top producer of PVC resins. We possess the largest fluorite Mexichem Annual Report 2007 mine in the world, in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, and we are the only integrated producer of our raw materials in Mexico and the largest integrated producer of hydrofluoric acid in America. Thanks to recently announced acquisitions, we are the principal producer of PVC pipe in Latin America; we own plants in 14 countries and market our products throughout virtually the entire region. Currently, the strategic position of the group is focused on the chemical and petrochemical sector through three producing chains: the Chlorine-Vinyl Chain, the Fluorine Chain, and the Transformed Products chain, which includes styrene products, compounds, and pipe. Sales MXN23,017 million 55% Transformed products 36% Chlorine-Vinyl 9% Fluorine Table of Contents Corporate Offices Río San Javier 10 Fraccionamiento Viveros del Río Tlalnepantla, Estado de México C.P. 54060 Tel. 52+ (55) 53 66 40 00 Fax. 52+ (55) 53 97 88 36 www.mexichem.com vision 20/20 20 We make chemistry the cornerstone of construction 01 02 03 04 06 08 10 14 16 17 20 22 23 24 Introduction Financial highlights Relevant events Message to shareholders Leadership position Geographic coverage Market potential Efficiency and growth Social responsibility Analysis and discussion of results Share information Board of directors Corporate governance Audited financial statements EBITDA MXN4,354 million 39% 40% 21% Transformed products Chlorine-Vinyl Fluorine