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Jun 30, 2020
CF Industries Q2 2020 Earnings Report
CF Industries reported strong execution and favorable U.S. planting conditions that drove record sales volumes, with positive global demand supporting an improved 2021 nitrogen outlook.
Key Takeaways
CF Industries Holdings, Inc. reported first half 2020 net earnings of $258 million and EBITDA of $786 million. The company achieved record first half total sales volumes, exceeding 10 million product tons for the first time.
First half net earnings of $258 million, or $1.20 per diluted share; EBITDA of $786 million; adjusted EBITDA of $808 million
Second quarter net earnings of $190 million, or $0.89 per diluted share; EBITDA of $472 million; adjusted EBITDA of $490 million
Trailing twelve month net cash from operating activities of $1,530 million, free cash flow of $973 million
Company record first half total sales volumes, exceeding 10 million product tons for first time
CF Industries
CF Industries
Forward Guidance
The company expects that the global nitrogen demand outlook will remain positive into 2021. The company continues to project that Chinese anthracite coal-based nitrogen complexes will remain the global marginal urea producer and thus set the global price.
Positive Outlook
- USDA estimates 92 million acres of corn were planted in the U.S. in 2020.
- Lower-than-expected planted corn acres, the impact of insurance and government support, and strong demand for corn imports in China will support farm incomes in 2020.
- Bean-to-corn price ratio is supportive of corn plantings in 2021, CF expects U.S. planted corn acres in 2021 to be in line with levels of the last ten years.
- Favorable weather in India has driven strong urea consumption, with urea sales in India increasing by approximately 50 percent from April through July 2020 compared to the prior year according to government statistics.
- Demand for urea imports into Brazil has also been positive, supported by improved farm incomes and no active domestic production.
Challenges Ahead
- Low global energy prices have contributed to global nitrogen supply length as some higher-cost producers have been able to operate due to production cost deflation.
- Low global nitrogen prices have contributed to the shutdown of three ammonia plants in Trinidad.
- The price of Chinese anthracite coal has not declined substantially during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to global natural gas prices.
- Chinese urea prices had fallen only modestly, and participation in India urea tenders has been below prior year levels.
- The company expects gross ammonia production during the second half of 2020 to be lower than in the first half due to scheduled maintenance and turnaround activity.