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Jun 30, 2022
CF Industries Q2 2022 Earnings Report
CF Industries reported strong operational performance and wide energy spreads which drove record results.
Key Takeaways
CF Industries Holdings, Inc. reported first half 2022 net earnings of $2.05 billion and adjusted EBITDA of $3.60 billion. The company delivered a strong operational performance and leveraged manufacturing and logistics flexibility to drive outstanding results despite weather-related challenges.
First half net earnings of $2.05 billion, or $9.78 per diluted share and EBITDA of $3.47 billion; adjusted EBITDA of $3.60 billion
Second quarter net earnings of $1.17 billion, or $5.58 per diluted share, and EBITDA of $1.80 billion; adjusted EBITDA of $1.95 billion
Trailing twelve months net cash from operating activities of $4.45 billion, free cash flow of $3.61 billion
Repurchased approximately 6.6 million shares for $590 million during the first half of 2022
CF Industries
CF Industries
Forward Guidance
Management expects the global nitrogen supply-demand balance to remain tight for the foreseeable future, underpinned by resilient agricultural-led demand and uncertainty about global production and export supply availability. Additionally, energy spreads between low-cost producers and marginal production in Europe and Asia are projected to remain historically wide.
Positive Outlook
- The need to replenish global grains stocks is expected to support continued positive demand for nitrogen products.
- Global grains stocks-to-use ratios for 2022/2023 are forecast to be similar to those of 2021/2022, which should sustain continued strength for global grains prices, incentivizing nitrogen fertilizer application.
- Urea consumption in Brazil is forecast to remain strong in 2022, supported by high crop prices, expected high planted corn acres in 2022 and 2023 and improved farm incomes.
- India is expected to tender on a regular basis into 2023 as increased domestic production is unlikely to fully meet increased demand as farmers maximize grain production.
- Energy differentials for Europe and Asia compared to low-cost regions remain significant. This has steepened the global nitrogen cost curve and increased margin opportunities for low-cost North American producers.
Challenges Ahead
- The outlook for global nitrogen supply availability remains challenged due to high natural gas costs in Europe and Asia.
- High natural gas costs in Europe and Asia have been exacerbated by uncertainty about the future of natural gas flows from Russia and the knock-on effect of greater competition for liquefied natural gas cargoes.
- The resulting high production costs are likely to result in lower ammonia production in Europe and Asia.
- Corn plantings in the United States will be lower than its expectations of 91-93 million acres at the start of 2022 due to poor weather in parts of the country during the spring that affected planting decisions.
- Urea exports from China have been sharply reduced by, and remain subject to, measures the Chinese government has implemented to promote the availability and affordability of fertilizers domestically.