We are reaffirming our Neutral recommendation on CF Industries Holdings Inc. (CF). Second-quarter 2012 revenues and earnings missed the Zacks Consensus Estimates. Lower volumes and a decline in phosphate product prices stemming from weak demand hurt sales in the quarter.
Revenues from the core Nitrogen segment remained flat, while sales from the Phosphate division slipped 22% in the quarter. Gross margin in the Nitrogen segment surged 27%, benefiting from lower realized natural gas costs. However, margins shrank in the Phosphate unit due to lower average selling prices.
CF Industries remains optimistic for the remainder of 2012 and 2013 based on high corn planting expectations for 2013, strong global demand, tight domestic nitrogen supply and favorable natural gas costs.
Illinois-based CF Industries is one of the largest manufacturers and distributors of nitrogenous and phosphatic fertilizer products globally. The company became the global producer of nitrogen fertilizers following its $4.7 billion buyout of Terra Industries in April 2010.
CF Industries is benefiting from high global prices for commodities, declining natural gas costs in North America and a solid start to the domestic planting season. Moreover, the company has a strong cash flow profile, which allows it to return value to shareholders and invest in growth initiatives.
Falling natural gas prices have been a boon for CF Industries. The company’s Nitrogen segment is reaping the benefit of abundant natural gas supply, driven by increased production of North American shale gas and favorable weather. Moreover, CF Industries is expected to benefit from strong U.S. corn plantations.
However, CF Industries faces intense pricing competition from both domestic and foreign fertilizer producers. Its domestic competitors such as Agrium Inc. (AGU) and Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan Inc. (POT) holds significant command in the marketplace.
CF Industries is susceptible to cyclical and seasonal changes. The prices of its products are highly sensitive to demand and supply. It is also exposed to volatility in raw material costs and has significant debt.
CF Industries currently retains a Zacks #2 Rank, which translates into a short-term Buy rating.
AGRIUM INC (AGU): Free Stock Analysis Report
CF INDUS HLDGS (CF): Free Stock Analysis Report
POTASH SASK (POT): Free Stock Analysis Report
To read this article on Zacks.com click here.
Get all Zacks Research Reports and be alerted to fast-breaking buy and sell opportunities every trading day.
Be the first to comment