IPSCO Reports Record Earnings In Second Quarter

Results are Reported in U.S. Dollars

Lisle, Illinois, July 22, 2004 - IPSCO Inc. (NYSE/TSX:IPS) announced today record quarterly earnings attributable to common shareholders of $66.4 million, or $1.22 per diluted share for the quarter ending June 30, 2004. This compares to a net loss of $0.14 per diluted share in the second quarter of 2003 and net earnings of $0.57 per diluted share the first quarter of 2004. IPSCO's trailing 12-month return on capital has now reached 13%, the median reported by Standard & Poor's for BBB-rated industrial companies for the years 2000 - 2002. As of the beginning of the second quarter of 2004, the Company implemented a change in accounting regarding maintenance reserves which the Company believes more appropriately recognizes such costs in the period incurred. The impact of the change on the second quarter of 2004 was negligible. Results of prior comparative periods have been adjusted to retroactively reflect the accounting change.

During the quarter, IPSCO redeemed the Company's outstanding preferred shares. As a result of the redemption, diluted earnings per share increased by $0.06 for the second quarter and $0.03 for the six months ended June 30, 2004.

Throughout the quarter, product demand on IPSCO's steel manufacturing facilities continued to exceed available capacity. Energy tubular shipments in the second quarter, a lower demand period, were higher than recent historical levels. Drilling activity in Western Canada increased sharply late in the quarter and U.S. demand for tubular products remained strong. Year over year second quarter cost of production increased, most markedly scrap which was up over 65%. This increase in scrap cost has been addressed through introduction of a raw material surcharge effective January 1, 2004. Overall, results were driven by strong global market conditions combined with good operational performance.

Net income attributable to common shareholders was $97.7 million for the first six months of 2004, or $1.78 per diluted share. This compares to a net loss of $3.5 million, or $0.07 per diluted share, for the first six months of 2003. 

Sales for the quarter set a new record at $548.3 million, up $250.1 million or 84% over the same period last year. Price, volume and mix all contributed to this growth. Sales were up $65.4 million, or 14%, over the prior quarter. Overall higher prices and improved mix help to offset the seasonal decline in volume in the tubular market. Year to date sales totaled $1.0 billion, an increase of 78% over the first six months of 2003. Steel mill product sales of $349.6 million were 89% higher than the second quarter of 2003. Tubular product sales of $198.7 million were 75% higher than last year. 

"With our modern facilities and cost efficient operations, IPSCO was well positioned to capitalize on business when economic conditions improved in the industrial sectors. IPSCO has reported record earnings for two consecutive quarters primarily due to the favorable market conditions. However, we are also reporting operating margins per ton that are among best in class," said David Sutherland, the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer.

"During this period of rapidly changing market dynamics, we are working hard to address the interests of our customers and stakeholders. We are committed to positioning the Company to be a long-term sustainable supplier to the steel markets we serve," concluded Sutherland.

Demand for IPSCO's products remains strong in this environment with the third quarter fully committed. Given scrap prices have again increased at the start of the third quarter, the raw material surcharge has been adjusted accordingly. The seasonal pick up in tubular products is expected to continue in the third quarter, further contributing to another anticipated record quarter. IPSCO expects earnings in the third quarter to exceed second quarter earnings.

IPSCO is an electric furnace flat rolled steel producer and a leader in the development of high strength steel and pipe. Headquartered in Lisle, Illinois, it operates facilities in the U.S. and Canada with the capacity to make 3,500,000 tons of steel annually. Utilizing electric arc furnaces, the steelworks melt steel scrap, and with the addition of appropriate alloys, create numerous grades and strengths of hot rolled discrete plate and coil. Steel can then be further processed at IPSCO's temper leveling and coil processing facilities. In addition, IPSCO's pipemaking facilities across the U.S. and Canada can produce square, rectangular, and round tubular products in various diameters up to 80".

IPSCO invites investors and other interested parties to listen on the Internet to its live conference call with David Sutherland, President and CEO and Vicki Avril, Senior Vice President and CFO on July 22, 2004 at 10:00 am EDT. If you are unable to listen to the webcast live, the entire conference will be archived.

This news release contains forward-looking information with respect to IPSCO's operations and beliefs. Actual results may differ from these forward-looking statements due to numerous factors, including, but not limited to, weather conditions affecting the oil patch; drilling rig availability; demand for oil and gas; supply, demand and price for scrap metal and other raw materials; supply, demand and price for electricity and natural gas; demand and prices for products produced by IPSCO; general economic conditions and changes in financial markets. These and other factors are outlined in IPSCO's regulatory filings with the Canadian securities regulators and the Securities and Exchange Commission, including those in IPSCO's Annual Report for 2003, its MD&A, particularly as discussed under the heading "Business Risks and Uncertainties," its Annual Information Form, and its Form 40-F.

Company Contact:
Vicki Avril
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
IPSCO
Tel. 630-810-4769
Release 04-24

2004 Second Quarter Financial Statements
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