CF Industries reports robust earnings for first nine months of 2023

CF Industries Holdings, Inc., a leading global manufacturer of hydrogen and nitrogen products, reported net earnings of $1.25 billion for the first nine months of 2023. The company also posted adjusted EBITDA of $2.17 billion for the same period. In the third quarter alone, CF Industries saw net earnings of $164 million and adjusted EBITDA of $445 million.

The company has also successfully repurchased 1.9 million shares for $150 million during the third quarter, signaling strong cash flow and financial stability.

Market Overview

The global nitrogen industry has been favorable for CF Industries, especially with low nitrogen channel inventories propelling strong demand in North America. The company expects continued robust demand through the end of 2023 and into 2024, especially in India and Brazil.

• North America: Management highlights lower-than-average inventory positions due to decreased import levels and higher export volumes.
• India: Stable urea demand is expected to persist, driven by robust agricultural production.
• Brazil: High demand for urea is anticipated through the growing season.
• Europe: Production challenges persist, influenced by high natural gas prices.
• China: The Chinese government’s measures to limit urea exports could impact future demand.
• Russia: Geopolitical tensions have affected ammonia exports but not other nitrogen products.

Operational Insights

The company emphasized operational efficiency, reporting a 12-month rolling average recordable incident rate of 0.51 incidents per 200,000 work hours as of September 2023. Gross ammonia production was approximately 7.0 million tons for the first nine months and 2.2 million tons for the third quarter of 2023.

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Strategic Initiatives

CF Industries has entered into an agreement with POSCO Holdings, Inc., to explore the construction of a low-carbon clean ammonia plant in Louisiana, USA. This is part of the company’s broader strategy to advance its clean energy growth platform and achieve its decarbonization commitments.

Additionally, the company has signed a definitive asset purchase agreement for Incitec Pivot’s ammonia production complex in Waggaman, Louisiana, for $1.675 billion. The transaction is expected to close on December 1, 2023.

Future Outlook

Long-term prospects look positive for CF Industries, underpinned by resilient agriculture-led demand and favorable energy curves. The company expects its capital expenditures for the full year 2023 to range between $450 million and $500 million.

CHS Inc., a minority equity investor in CF Industries Nitrogen, is set to receive an estimated partnership distribution of approximately $66 million for the third quarter of 2023.

The results for the first nine months of 2023 show CF Industries in a stable position, capitalizing on strong market dynamics and making strategic investments for future growth.