Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
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Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations should be read in conjunction with the material under the heading “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of The Mosaic Company filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the year ended December 31, 2022 (the “10-K Report”) and the material under Item 1 of Part I of this report.
Throughout the discussion below, we measure units of production, sales and raw materials in metric tonnes, which are the equivalent of 2,205 pounds, unless we specifically state we mean long ton(s), which are the equivalent of 2,240 pounds. In the following tables, there are certain percentages that are not considered to be meaningful and are represented by “NM.”
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Results of Operations
The following table shows the results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022:
| Three months ended | Nine months ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| September 30, | 2023-2022 | September 30, | 2023-2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions, except per share data) | 2023 | 2022 | Change | Percent | 2023 | 2022 | Change | Percent | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net sales | $ | 3,548.3 | $ | 5,348.5 | $ | (1,800.2) | (34) | % | $ | 10,546.6 | $ | 14,643.9 | $ | (4,097.3) | (28) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of goods sold | 3,138.7 | 3,846.5 | (707.8) | (18) | % | 8,895.5 | 9,856.5 | (961.0) | (10) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross margin | 409.6 | 1,502.0 | (1,092.4) | (73) | % | 1,651.1 | 4,787.4 | (3,136.3) | (66) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross margin percentage | 12% | 28% | 16% | 33% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | 119.9 | 124.5 | (4.6) | (4) | % | 377.5 | 365.1 | 12.4 | 3 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other operating expense | 143.9 | 222.8 | (78.9) | (35) | % | 214.0 | 337.6 | (123.6) | (37) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating earnings | 145.8 | 1,154.7 | (1,008.9) | (87) | % | 1,059.6 | 4,084.7 | (3,025.1) | (74) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense, net | (17.4) | (30.6) | 13.2 | (43) | % | (94.5) | (104.0) | 9.5 | (9) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency transaction (loss) gain | (96.9) | (61.1) | (35.8) | 59 | % | 103.0 | 22.4 | 80.6 | NM | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other expense | (50.1) | (2.3) | (47.8) | NM | (66.1) | (37.8) | (28.3) | 75 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Loss) earnings from consolidated companies before income taxes | (18.6) | 1,060.7 | (1,079.3) | NM | 1,002.0 | 3,965.3 | (2,963.3) | (75) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Benefit from) provision for income taxes | (5.9) | 276.6 | (282.5) | NM | 220.8 | 1,018.3 | (797.5) | (78) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Loss) earnings from consolidated companies | (12.7) | 784.1 | (796.8) | NM | 781.2 | 2,947.0 | (2,165.8) | (73) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity in net earnings of nonconsolidated companies | 15.8 | 72.1 | (56.3) | (78) | % | 60.0 | 138.7 | (78.7) | (57) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net earnings including noncontrolling interests | 3.1 | 856.2 | (853.1) | (100) | % | 841.2 | 3,085.7 | (2,244.5) | (73) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less: Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests | 7.3 | 14.5 | (7.2) | (50) | % | 41.6 | 26.1 | 15.5 | 59 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net (loss) earnings attributable to Mosaic | $ | (4.2) | $ | 841.7 | $ | (845.9) | NM | $ | 799.6 | $ | 3,059.6 | $ | (2,260.0) | (74) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted net (loss) earnings per share attributable to Mosaic | $ | (0.01) | $ | 2.42 | $ | (2.43) | NM | $ | 2.39 | $ | 8.50 | $ | (6.11) | (72) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding | 331.5 | 347.7 | 335.1 | 360.1 |
Overview of Consolidated Results for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022
For the three months ended September 30, 2023, Mosaic had a net loss of $(4.2) million, or $(0.01) per diluted share, compared to net income of $841.7 million, or $2.42 per diluted share, for the prior year period. Net sales for the three months ended September 30, 2023 decreased 34% compared to the same period of the prior year, driven by lower average selling prices, as discussed further below. Net income for the three months ended September 30, 2023 was also negatively impacted by a foreign currency transaction loss of $96.9 million, compared to a foreign currency transaction loss of $61.1 million in the prior year period.
Significant factors affecting our results of operations and financial condition are listed below. Certain of these factors are discussed in more detail in the following sections of this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
For the three months ended September 30, 2023, operating results in all of our segments were impacted by lower average sales prices compared to the prior year period. Global markets have softened compared to the prior year period, with a rebound in supply combined with buyers delaying purchases in anticipation of lower prices. Buyer deferral reversed in the later part of the current year period and seasonal price strength was seen in many markets.
Our operating results for the three months ended September 30, 2023 were unfavorably impacted in our Phosphate segment compared to the prior year period due to lower average selling prices, driven by the factors described above. This was partially offset by lower raw material costs, primarily sulfur and ammonia.
Our operating results for the three months ended September 30, 2023 were unfavorably impacted in our Potash segment due to lower average sales prices compared to the prior year period, driven by the factors discussed above. Current period operating results were favorably impacted by higher sales volumes compared to the prior year period, as fall demand in North America was stronger in the current year period. Additionally, in the third quarter of the current year, Canpotex shipments were negatively impacted by supply chain challenges and an equipment failure at one of their port facilities. This equipment failure is continuing into the fourth quarter of this year.
Our operating results for the three months ended September 30, 2023 were unfavorably impacted in our Mosaic Fertilizantes segment driven by the factor described above. Sales volumes were up compared to the prior year period as a result of our growth strategy to expand our presence in Brazil.
In addition to the items referenced above,
*•*During the three months ended September 30, 2023, we repurchased 3,948,783 shares of Common Stock in the open market for approximately $150.0 million, at an average purchase price of $37.99 per share.
- Countervailing Duty Orders. In April 2021, the U.S. Department of Commerce (“DOC”) issued countervailing duty (“CVD”) orders on imports of phosphate fertilizers from Morocco and Russia, in response to petitions filed by Mosaic. The purpose of the petitions was to remedy the injury to the U.S. phosphate fertilizer industry caused by imports that benefit from unfair foreign subsidies, and thereby restore fair competition. CVD orders normally stay in place for at least five years, with possible extensions. Moroccan and Russian producers have initiated actions at the U.S. Court of International Trade (“CIT”) seeking to overturn the orders. Mosaic has also made claims contesting certain aspects of DOC’s final determinations that, we believe, failed to capture the full extent of Moroccan and Russian subsidies. These litigation challenges remain underway. Most recently, in July and September 2023, the CIT issued three remand rulings – one addressing DOC’s determination in the CVD investigation of phosphate fertilizers from Russia, one addressing DOC’s determination in the CVD investigation of phosphate fertilizers from Morocco, and one addressing the U.S. International Trade Commission’s determination in antidumping and countervailing duty investigations of phosphate fertilizers from Russia and Morocco – instructing the agencies to reconsider certain aspects of the rulings that were the basis for issuing the CVD orders.
When a CVD order is in place, DOC normally conducts annual administrative reviews, which establish a final CVD assessment rate for past imports during a defined period, and a CVD cash deposit rate for future imports. In November 2023, DOC announced the final results of the first administrative reviews for the CVD orders on phosphate fertilizers for Russia and Morocco, covering the period November 30, 2020 to December 31, 2021. DOC calculated new subsidy rates of 2.12% for Moroccan producer OCP and 28.50% for Russian producer PhosAgro. These determinations are subject to appeal to the CIT. DOC is also conducting administrative reviews covering the period January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022. The applicable final CVD assessment rates and cash deposit rates for imports of phosphate fertilizer from Morocco and Russia could change as a result of these various proceedings and potential associated appeals, whether in federal courts or at the World Trade Organization.
Overview of Consolidated Results for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022
Net earnings attributable to Mosaic for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was $799.6 million, or $2.39 per diluted share, compared to net earnings of $3.1 billion, or $8.50 per diluted share, for the same period a year ago. Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was positively impacted by a foreign currency transaction gain of $103.0 million, compared to $22.4 million in the prior year period.
Results for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 reflected the factors discussed above in the discussion for the three months ended September 30, 2023, in addition to those noted below. Certain of these factors are discussed in more detail in the following sections of this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Operating results in our Phosphate segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 were unfavorably impacted compared to the prior year period due to lower average selling prices, driven by the factors described above in the three month
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discussion. This was partially offset by lower raw material costs, primarily sulfur and ammonia. Operating results in the current year period were positively impacted by higher finished product sales volumes driven by buyers deferring purchases in the prior year period in anticipation of lower sales prices.
Operating results in our Potash segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 were unfavorably impacted by a decrease in the average selling price of potash compared to the prior year period as described above in the three month discussion. Current year operating results were also unfavorably impacted by higher idle plant and maintenance turnaround costs due to the temporary idling of our Colonsay, Saskatchewan mine in the first half of the year due to market conditions and the timing of turnarounds compared to the prior year.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, operating results in our Mosaic Fertilizantes segment were unfavorably impacted by a decrease in average sales prices in the current year compared to the prior year period as discussed above in the threemonth discussion. Sales volumes of finished goods, including performance products, were higher in the current year period compared to the same period in the prior year, due to an increased customer base as a result of our growth strategy to expand our presence in Brazil. Results were also favorably impacted by a decrease in product costs for our distribution business, and lower sulfur and ammonia costs in our production business. Sales volumes of other products, primarily gypsum and acids, were lower than the prior year period driven by unfavorable weather and sulfuric acid availability in the current year period.
Other Highlights
In addition to the items referenced above:
-
On January 12, 2023, we completed the sale of the Streamsong Resort® (the “Resort”) and the approximately 7,000 acres on which it sits for net proceeds of $158 million. The Resort is a destination resort and conference center, which we developed in an area of previously mined land as part of our long-term business strategy to maximize the value and utility of our extensive land holdings in Florida. In addition to a hotel and conference center, the Resort includes multiple golf courses, a clubhouse and ancillary facilities. The sale resulted in a gain of $57 million.
-
On January 17, 2023, we purchased the other 50% interest of equity of Gulf Sulphur Services (“GSS”), which gives us full ownership and secures control of our sulfur supply chain in the Gulf of Mexico.
*•*On February 24, 2023, pursuant to existing stock repurchase authorizations, we entered into an accelerated share repurchase agreement (the “2023 ASR Agreement”) with a third-party financial institution to repurchase $300 million of our Common Stock. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, we repurchased 12,639,719 shares of Common Stock in the open market for approximately $598.0 million. This includes 5,624,574 shares purchased under the 2023 ASR Agreement.
-
In March 2023, we paid a special dividend of $0.25 per share to our stockholders.
-
In May 2023, we entered into a 10-year senior unsecured term loan facility whereby we can draw up to $700 million. The term loan matures on May 18, 2033. As of September 30, 2023, we have not drawn any amounts under this facility.
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Phosphate Net Sales and Gross Margin
The following table summarizes the Phosphate segment’s net sales, gross margin, sales volume, selling prices and raw material prices:
| Three months ended | Nine months ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| September 30, | 2023-2022 | September 30, | 2023-2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions, except price per tonne or unit) | 2023 | 2022 | Change | Percent | 2023 | 2022 | Change | Percent | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net sales: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| North America | $ | 800.8 | $ | 1,177.9 | $ | (377.1) | (32) | % | $ | 2,806.7 | $ | 3,101.4 | $ | (294.7) | (10) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| International | 185.6 | 399.7 | (214.1) | (54) | % | 847.5 | 1,773.1 | (925.6) | (52) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 986.4 | 1,577.6 | (591.2) | (37) | % | 3,654.2 | 4,874.5 | (1,220.3) | (25) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of goods sold | 898.9 | 1,219.7 | (320.8) | (26) | % | 3,091.2 | 3,347.3 | (256.1) | (8) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross margin | $ | 87.5 | $ | 357.9 | $ | (270.4) | (76) | $ | 563.0 | $ | 1,527.2 | $ | (964.2) | (63) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross margin as a percentage of net sales | 9 | % | 23 | % | 15 | % | 31 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales volumes(a) (in thousands of metric tonnes) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| DAP/MAP | 913 | 824 | 89 | 11 | % | 2,863 | 2,555 | 308 | 12 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Performance and Other(b) | 738 | 827 | (89) | (11) | % | 2,546 | 2,432 | 114 | 5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total finished product tonnes | 1,651 | 1,651 | — | 0 | % | 5,409 | 4,987 | 422 | 8 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rock | 458 | 410 | 48 | 12 | % | 1,367 | 1,328 | 39 | 3 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Phosphate Segment Tonnes(a) | 2,109 | 2,061 | 48 | 2 | % | 6,776 | 6,315 | 461 | 7 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Realized prices ($/tonne) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Average finished product selling price (destination)(c) | $ | 569 | $ | 924 | $ | (355) | (38) | % | $ | 642 | $ | 950 | $ | (308) | (32) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| DAP selling price (fob plant) | $ | 487 | $ | 809 | $ | (322) | (40) | % | $ | 578 | $ | 829 | $ | (251) | (30) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Average cost per unit consumed in cost of goods sold: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ammonia (metric tonne) | $ | 353 | $ | 665 | $ | (312) | (47) | % | $ | 449 | $ | 583 | $ | (134) | (23) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sulfur (long ton) | $ | 156 | $ | 436 | $ | (280) | (64) | % | $ | 191 | $ | 400 | $ | (209) | (52) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Blended rock (metric tonne) | $ | 81 | $ | 68 | $ | 13 | 19 | % | $ | 75 | $ | 68 | $ | 7 | 10 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Production volume (in thousands of metric tonnes) - North America | 1,593 | 1,664 | (71) | (4) | % | 5,089 | 5,045 | 44 | 1 | % |
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(a) Includes intersegment sales volumes.
(b) Includes sales volumes of MicroEssentials® and animal feed ingredients.
(c) Excludes sales revenue and tonnes associated with rock sales.
Three months ended September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022
The Phosphate segment’s net sales were $1.0 billion for the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to $1.6 billion for the three months ended September 30, 2022. The decrease in net sales in the current year period was primarily due to lower average finished goods sales prices, which had an unfavorable impact of approximately $550 million compared to the prior year period. Net sales were also unfavorably impacted by approximately $40 million, due to lower sales of raw materials.
Our average finished product selling price decreased 38% to $569 per tonne for the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to $924 per tonne in the prior year period, due to the factors discussed in the Overview.
The Phosphate segment’s sales volumes of finished products was comparable for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022.
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Gross margin for the Phosphate segment decreased to $87.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023, from $357.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022. The decrease in gross margin in the current year period was primarily due to lower sales prices, which unfavorably impacted gross margin by approximately $550 million. Gross margin was also unfavorably impacted by approximately $80 million due to higher conversion costs, higher cost of blended rock and other product costs. This was partially offset by decreased raw material prices in the current period, driven by sulfur and ammonia, which favorably impacted gross margin by approximately $290 million. In addition, lower costs of approximately $50 million, primarily related to the timing of turnarounds and idle costs in the prior year that did not repeat in the current year; $10 million of non-product sales such as ammonia, sulfur and phosphate rock, and $10 million related to lower freight and logistics costs in the current year period compared to the prior year, also partially offset this gross margin variance.
The average consumed price for ammonia for our North America operations decreased 47% to $353 per tonne for the three months ended September 30, 2023, from $665 in the same period a year ago. The average consumed sulfur price for our North America operations decreased 64%, to $156 per long ton, for the three months ended September 30, 2023, from $436 in the same period a year ago. The purchase prices of these raw materials are driven by global supply and demand. The consumed ammonia and sulfur prices also include transportation, transformation and storage costs.
The average consumed cost of purchased and produced phosphate rock increased to $81 per tonne for the three months ended September 30, 2023, from $68 per tonne for the three months ended September 30, 2022, primarily due to higher fixed cost absorption caused by lower production volume in the current year period. For the three months ended September 30, 2023, our North America phosphate rock production decreased to 2.4 million tonnes from 2.9 million tonnes during the same period of the prior year, due to geology of rock and operational challenges.
The Phosphate segment’s production of crop nutrient dry concentrates and animal feed ingredients decreased 4% for the three months ended September 30, 2023 from the prior year period. Our operating rate for processed phosphate production decreased to 64% for the three months ended September 30, 2023, from 67% for the same period in 2022, primarily due to an equipment failure at our Faustina, Louisiana location. We expect the repairs to be completed during the fourth quarter of this year.
Nine months ended September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022
The Phosphate segment’s net sales were $3.7 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to $4.9 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. The decrease in net sales was primarily due to lower finished product selling prices in the current year period, which unfavorably impacted net sales by approximately $1.5 billion compared to the prior year period. This was partially offset by higher sales volumes of finished goods, which favorably impacted net sales by approximately $350 million. Net sales were also unfavorably impacted by approximately $100 million due to lower raw materials sales driven by lower sales prices and volumes of sulfur and ammonia.
Our average finished product selling price was $642 per tonne for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, a decrease of $308 per tonne from the same period a year ago, due to the factors discussed in the Overview.
The Phosphate segment’s sales volumes of finished products increased by 8% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to the same period in the prior year, due to the factors discussed in the Overview.
Gross margin for the Phosphate segment decreased to $563.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, from $1.5 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. The decrease in gross margin in the current year period was primarily due to the impact of lower finished product prices of approximately $1.5 billion compared to the prior year period. Gross margin was also unfavorably impacted by approximately $170 million, due to increased conversion and other costs resulting from higher maintenance and water management costs in the current period. Increased cost of blended rock unfavorably impacted gross margin by approximately $70 million, as discussed below. These increases were partially offset by lower raw material costs of sulfur and ammonia as discussed below, which impacted gross margin by approximately $500 million. Gross margin was also favorably impacted by approximately $140 million, due to higher sales volumes, and lower costs of approximately $80 million, related to the timing of idle plant and turnaround costs in the current year period.
The average consumed price for ammonia for our North America operations was $449 per tonne for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to $583 per tonne in the same period a year ago. The average consumed price for sulfur for our North America operations decreased to $191 per long ton for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, from $400 per long ton in the same period a year ago. The purchase prices of these raw materials are driven by global supply and demand.
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The average consumed cost of purchased and produced phosphate rock increased to $75 per tonne for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to $68 per tonne for the prior year period, primarily due to using more Miski Mayo rock in the current year period. Our North America phosphate rock production decreased to 6.7 million tonnes for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to 7.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, due to geology of rock and operational challenges.
The Phosphate segment’s production of crop nutrient dry concentrates and animal feed ingredients increased by 1%, to 5.1 million tonnes for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to 5.0 million tonnes in the prior year period. For the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022, our operating rate for processed phosphate production was 68%.
Potash Net Sales and Gross Margin
The following table summarizes the Potash segment’s net sales, gross margin, sales volume and selling price:
| Three months ended | Nine months ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| September 30, | 2023-2022 | September 30, | 2023-2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions, except price per tonne or unit) | 2023 | 2022 | Change | Percent | 2023 | 2022 | Change | Percent | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net sales: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| North America | $ | 501.5 | $ | 440.5 | $ | 61.0 | 14 | % | $ | 1,489.8 | $ | 1,628.5 | $ | (138.7) | (9) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| International | 218.4 | 991.6 | (773.2) | (78) | % | 985.4 | 2,443.6 | (1,458.2) | (60) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 719.9 | 1,432.1 | (712.2) | (50) | % | 2,475.2 | 4,072.1 | (1,596.9) | (39) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of goods sold | 509.5 | 633.4 | (123.9) | (20) | % | 1,515.5 | 1,766.9 | (251.4) | (14) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross margin | $ | 210.4 | $ | 798.7 | $ | (588.3) | (74) | % | $ | 959.7 | $ | 2,305.2 | $ | (1,345.5) | (58) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross margin as a percentage of net sales | 29 | % | 56 | % | 39 | % | 57 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales volume(a) (in thousands of metric tonnes) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| MOP | 2,031 | 1,952 | 79 | 4 | % | 5,610 | 5,529 | 81 | 1 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Performance and Other(b) | 189 | 190 | (1) | (1) | % | 683 | 709 | (26) | (4) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Potash Segment Tonnes | 2,220 | 2,142 | 78 | 4 | % | 6,293 | 6,238 | 55 | 1 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Realized prices ($/tonne) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Average finished product selling price (destination) | $ | 324 | $ | 669 | $ | (345) | (52) | % | $ | 393 | $ | 653 | $ | (260) | (40) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| MOP selling price (fob mine) | $ | 266 | $ | 666 | $ | (400) | (60) | % | $ | 333 | $ | 632 | $ | (299) | (47) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Production volume (in thousands of metric tonnes) | 1,854 | 2,266 | (412) | (18) | % | 5,719 | 6,902 | (1,183) | (17) | % |
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(a) Includes intersegment sales volumes.
(b) Includes sales volumes of K-Mag®, Aspire® and animal feed ingredients.
Three months ended September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022
The Potash segment’s net sales decreased to $719.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to $1.4 billion in the same period a year ago. The decrease was primarily due to lower selling prices, which had an unfavorable impact on net sales of approximately $830 million compared to the same period in the prior year. This was partially offset by higher sales volumes in North America, which favorably impacted net sales by approximately $100 million.
Our average finished product selling price was $324 per tonne for the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to $669 per tonne for the same period a year ago, as a result of the factors described in the Overview.
The Potash segment’s sales volumes of finished products increased to 2.2 million tonnes for the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to 2.1 million tonnes in the same period a year ago, due to the factors discussed in the Overview.
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Gross margin for the Potash segment decreased to $210.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023, from $798.7 million in the same period of the prior year. The decrease in gross margin in the current year period is primarily due to lower selling prices, which negatively impacted gross margin by approximately $830 million compared to the prior year period. Higher idle and turnaround costs negatively impacted gross margin by approximately $20 million compared to the prior year, largely due to the timing of the turnaround at our Esterhazy, Saskatchewan mine. These impacts were partially offset by a reduction in Canadian resource taxes and royalties of $195 million compared to the prior year, as discussed below. Gross margin was also favorably impacted by approximately $40 million, due to higher sales volumes and foreign currency impacts of approximately $30 million in the current year period, compared to the same period in the prior year.
We had expense of $85.6 million from Canadian resource taxes for the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to $258.4 million in the same period a year ago. Canadian royalty expense decreased to $8.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to $30.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022. The fluctuations in Canadian resource taxes and royalties are a result of a decrease in our sales revenue and margins.
Our operating rate for potash production was 66% for the current year period, compared to 81% in the prior year period. The decreased operating rate reflects the summer turnaround at our Esterhazy, Saskatchewan mine in the current year period.
Nine months ended September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022
The Potash segment’s net sales decreased to $2.5 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to $4.1 billion in the same period a year ago. The decrease was due to lower selling prices, which had an unfavorable impact on net sales of approximately $1.7 billion. This was partially offset by higher sales volumes of approximately $110 million.
Our average potash selling price was $393 per tonne for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to $653 per tonne for the same period a year ago, due to the factors discussed above in the Overview.
The Potash segment’s sales volumes for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 increased 1% compared to the same period a year ago.
Gross margin for the Potash segment decreased to $959.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, from $2.3 billion for the same period in the prior year. Gross margin was unfavorably impacted by approximately $1.7 billion due to the decrease in average selling prices. Gross margin was also unfavorably impacted by increased idle and turnaround costs of approximately $60 million, largely due to the idling of our Colonsay, Saskatchewan mine during the first half of the current year, and higher product costs driven by lower production volumes and product mix of approximately $20 million compared to the prior year period. This was partially offset by lower Canadian resource taxes and royalties of approximately $437 million in the current year period, as discussed below, and by slightly higher sales volumes, which had a favorable impact on net sales of approximately $30 million.
We incurred $301.4 million in Canadian resource taxes for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to $690.1 million in the same period a year ago. Canadian royalty expense decreased to $40.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to $89.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. The fluctuations in Canadian resource taxes and royalties are due to the decreases in our sales revenues and margins.
Our operating rate was 68% for the current year period, compared to 82% in the prior year period. The decreased operating rate in the current year period reflects the temporary idling of our Colonsay, Saskatchewan mine during the first half of the year due to market conditions, and down time for maintenance turnarounds at our Esterhazy, Saskatchewan and Carlsbad, New Mexico mines.
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Mosaic Fertilizantes Net Sales and Gross Margin
The following table summarizes the Mosaic Fertilizantes segment’s net sales, gross margin, sales volume and selling price.
| Three months ended | Nine months ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| September 30, | 2023-2022 | September 30, | 2023-2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions, except price per tonne or unit) | 2023 | 2022 | Change | Percent | 2023 | 2022 | Change | Percent | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Sales | $ | 1,730.6 | $ | 2,628.7 | $ | (898.1) | (34) | % | $ | 4,492.7 | $ | 6,377.0 | $ | (1,884.3) | (30) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of goods sold | 1,624.5 | 2,280.4 | (655.9) | (29) | % | 4,374.9 | 5,359.2 | (984.3) | (18) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross margin | $ | 106.1 | $ | 348.3 | $ | (242.2) | (70) | % | $ | 117.8 | $ | 1,017.8 | $ | (900.0) | (88) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross margin as a percent of net sales | 6 | % | 13 | % | 3 | % | 16 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales volume (in thousands of metric tonnes) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Phosphate produced in Brazil(a) | 622 | 488 | 134 | 27 | % | 1,743 | 1,863 | (120) | (6) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Potash produced in Brazil | 62 | 33 | 29 | 88 | % | 150 | 125 | 25 | 20 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Purchased nutrients for distribution | 2,376 | 2,303 | 73 | 3 | % | 5,632 | 4,978 | 654 | 13 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Mosaic Fertilizantes Segment Tonnes | 3,060 | 2,824 | 236 | 8 | % | 7,525 | 6,966 | 559 | 8 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Realized prices ($/tonne) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Average finished product selling price (destination) | $ | 566 | $ | 931 | $ | (365) | (39) | % | $ | 597 | $ | 915 | $ | (318) | (35) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Brazil MAP price (delivered price to third party) | $ | 533 | $ | 866 | $ | (333) | (38) | % | $ | 608 | $ | 936 | $ | (328) | (35) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Purchases ('000 tonnes) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| DAP/MAP from Mosaic | 20 | 30 | (10) | (33) | % | 283 | 247 | 36 | 15 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| MicroEssentials® from Mosaic | 152 | 370 | (218) | (59) | % | 856 | 1,067 | (211) | (20) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Potash from Mosaic/Canpotex | 672 | 798 | (126) | (16) | % | 1,663 | 1,885 | (222) | (12) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Average cost per unit consumed in cost of goods sold: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ammonia (metric tonne) | $ | 667 | $ | 1,267 | $ | (600) | (47) | % | $ | 865 | $ | 1,285 | $ | (420) | (33) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sulfur (long ton) | $ | 219 | $ | 432 | $ | (213) | (49) | % | $ | 248 | $ | 388 | $ | (140) | (36) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Blended rock (metric tonne) | $ | 117 | $ | 106 | $ | 11 | 10 | % | $ | 123 | $ | 104 | $ | 19 | 18 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Production volume (in thousands of metric tonnes) | 913 | 811 | 102 | 13 | % | 2,569 | 2,647 | (78) | (3) | % |
______________________________
(a) Excludes internally produced volumes used in purchased nutrients for distribution.
Three months ended September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022
The Mosaic Fertilizantes segment’s net sales decreased to $1.7 billion for the three months ended September 30, 2023, from $2.6 billion in the same period a year ago. The decrease in net sales was due to lower finished product sales prices, which unfavorably impacted net sales by approximately $1.0 billion, and lower sales prices of other products, primarily acids, which unfavorably impacted net sales by approximately $60 million. This was partially offset by higher finished goods sales volumes, which had a favorable impact of approximately $190 million, and favorable foreign currency impacts of approximately $20 million.
Our average finished product selling price was $566 per tonne for the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to $931 per tonne for the same period a year ago, due to the decrease in global sales prices as discussed in the Overview.
The Mosaic Fertilizantes segment’s sales volumes of finished products increased 8% for the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to the same period a year ago, due to increased demand in our distribution business.
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Gross margin for the Mosaic Fertilizantes segment decreased to $106.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023, from $348.3 million in the same period of the prior year. The decrease in gross margin was primarily due to an unfavorable impact of approximately $1.0 billion related to the decrease in average selling prices during the current year period, compared to the prior year period, partially offset by higher sales volumes, which favorably impacted gross margin by approximately $50 million. Lower costs had a favorable impact of $750 million, driven by a decrease in product costs for our distribution business, and lower sulfur and ammonia costs in our production business.
The average consumed price for ammonia for our Brazilian operations decreased to $667 per tonne for the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to $1,267 per tonne in the prior year period. The average consumed sulfur price for our Brazilian operations was $219 per long ton for the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to $432 per long ton in the prior year period. The purchase prices of ammonia and sulfur are driven by global supply and demand, and also include transportation, transformation and storage costs.
The Mosaic Fertilizantes segment’s production of crop nutrient dry concentrates and animal feed ingredients increased 13% for the three months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the prior year period. For the three months ended September 30, 2023, our phosphate operating rate increased to 81%, compared to 76% in the same period of the prior year.
For the three months ended September 30, 2023, our Brazilian phosphate rock production was comparable with the prior year period, at 1.0 million tonnes.
Nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022
The Mosaic Fertilizantes segment’s net sales were $4.5 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to $6.4 billion in the prior year period. In the current period, net sales were unfavorably impacted by approximately $2.1 billion due to lower finished goods sales prices, partially offset by the impact of higher finished goods sales volumes of approximately $470 million. Net sales were also unfavorably impacted by decreased revenues from other products, primarily acids, of approximately $270 million, due to lower selling prices.
The average finished product selling price decreased $318 per tonne to $597 per tonne for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to $915 per tonne in the prior year period, primarily due to the decrease in global prices mentioned in the Overview.
The Mosaic Fertilizantes segment’s sales volume increased to 7.5 million tonnes for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, from 7.0 million tonnes in the same period a year ago, due to increased demand in our distribution business.
Gross margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 decreased to $117.8 million from $1.0 billion in the same period in the prior year. In the current year period, gross margin was unfavorably impacted by approximately $2.1 billion due to lower average selling prices. Gross margin was also unfavorably impacted by lower sales volumes and sales prices of other products, primarily acids, of approximately $40 million, and unfavorable foreign currency impacts of approximately $35 million. These impacts were partially offset by approximately $1.2 billion related to lower product costs, primarily reductions in material purchases by our distribution business and lower raw materials costs in the current year compared to the prior year period. Sales volumes also favorably impacted gross margin by approximately $40 million in the current year period.
The Mosaic Fertilizantes segment’s production of crop nutrient dry concentrates and animal feed ingredients decreased 3% compared to the prior year period. For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, our phosphate operating rate was 77%, compared to 84% in the same period of the prior year.
For the nine month period ended September 30, 2023, our Brazilian phosphate rock production decreased slightly to 2.9 million tonnes, from 3.0 million tonnes in the prior year period.
Corporate, Eliminations and Other
In addition to our three operating segments, we assign certain costs to Corporate, Eliminations and Other, which is presented separately in Note 18 to our Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. Corporate, Eliminations and Other includes the results of the China and India distribution businesses, intersegment eliminations, including profit on intersegment sales, unrealized mark-to-market gains and losses on derivatives and debt expenses. The prior year period also included the results of operations for the Resort.
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For the three months ended September 30, 2023, gross margin for Corporate, Eliminations and Other was $5.7 million, compared to $(2.9) million for the same period in the prior year. Gross margin was favorably impacted by the elimination of profit on intersegment sales in the current year period of approximately $45 million, compared to the prior year of approximately $105 million. Gross margin was also positively impacted due to favorable product costs in our distribution operations in China and India in the current year period. Sales in China and India, collectively, resulted in revenue of $204.1 million and gross margin of $12.4 million in the current year period, compared to revenue of $158.6 million and gross margin of $(13.7) million in the prior year period. Gross margin was unfavorably impacted by a net unrealized loss on derivatives of approximately $45 million in the current year period, compared to a net unrealized loss of approximately $76 million in the prior year period.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, gross margin for Corporate, Eliminations and Other was $10.6 million, compared to $(62.8) million for the same period in the prior year. Gross margin was favorably impacted by lower elimination of profit on intersegment sales in the current year period of approximately $100 million, compared to the prior year period of approximately $(152) million. Gross margin was unfavorably impacted by a net unrealized loss on derivatives of approximately $12 million in the current year period, compared to a net unrealized loss of approximately $35 million in the prior year period. Gross margin was impacted due to lower average selling prices in our distribution operations in China and India in the current year period. Sales in China and India, collectively, resulted in revenue of $642.6 million and gross margin of $(42.7) million in the current year period, compared to revenue of $769.5 million and gross margin of $137.6 million in the prior year period. The prior year period also included gross margin of approximately $15 million related to the Resort.
Other Income Statement Items
| Three months ended | Nine months ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| September 30, | 2023-2022 | September 30, | 2023-2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | Change | Percent | 2023 | 2022 | Change | Percent | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | $ | 119.9 | $ | 124.5 | $ | (4.6) | (4) | % | $ | 377.5 | $ | 365.1 | $ | 12.4 | 3 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other operating expense | 143.9 | 222.8 | (78.9) | (35) | % | 214.0 | 337.6 | (123.6) | (37) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | (40.3) | (38.2) | (2.1) | 5 | % | (137.8) | (125.2) | (12.6) | 10 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest income | 22.9 | 7.6 | 15.3 | NM | 43.3 | 21.2 | 22.1 | 104 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense, net | (17.4) | (30.6) | 13.2 | (43) | % | (94.5) | (104.0) | 9.5 | (9) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency transaction (loss) gain | (96.9) | (61.1) | (35.8) | 59 | % | 103.0 | 22.4 | 80.6 | NM | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other expense | (50.1) | (2.3) | (47.8) | NM | (66.1) | (37.8) | (28.3) | 75 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Benefit from) provision for income taxes | (5.9) | 276.6 | (282.5) | NM | 220.8 | 1,018.3 | (797.5) | (78) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity in net earnings of nonconsolidated companies | 15.8 | 72.1 | (56.3) | (78) | % | 60.0 | 138.7 | (78.7) | (57) | % |
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2023 decreased $4.6 million compared to the same period of prior year, primarily due to approximately $17 million of lower expenses for consulting and professional services related to executing on our strategic initiatives. This was partially offset by higher compensation and incentive expense of approximately $10 million in the current period compared to the prior year period.
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 increased $12.4 million compared to the same period of the prior year, primarily due to higher consulting and professional services costs of approximately $15 million in the current year period.
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Other Operating Expense
For the three months ended September 30, 2023, we had other operating expense of $143.9 million, compared to $222.8 million for the same period of the prior year. The change from the prior year was primarily due to approximately $71 million related to an increase in environmental reserves in the prior year period.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, we had other operating expense of $214.0 million, compared to $337.6 million for the same period of the prior year. The change from the prior year period relates to a gain on the sale of the Resort of approximately $57 million, and an increase in environmental reserves in the prior year period compared to the current year period of approximately $55 million.
Interest Expense, Net
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, net interest expense decreased to $17.4 million and $94.5 million, compared to $30.6 million and $104.0 million in the same period of the prior year. The change from the prior year is driven by higher interest income primarily due to interest received in the current year period of $10 million on tax credit refunds from our Brazilian subsidiaries.
Foreign Currency Transaction Gain
We recorded a foreign currency transaction loss of $96.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023 compared to a loss of $61.1 million for the same period in the prior year. For the three months ended September 30, 2023, the loss was the result of the effect of the strengthening of the U.S. dollar relative to the Brazilian real on significant intercompany loans and U.S. dollar-denominated payables held by our Brazilian subsidiaries, and the impact of the U.S. dollar relative to the Canadian dollar on significant intercompany loans.
We recorded a foreign currency transaction gain of $103.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared $22.4 million for the same period in the prior year. For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the gain was the result of the effect of the weakening of the U.S. dollar relative to the Brazilian real on significant intercompany loans and U.S. dollar-denominated payables held by our Brazilian subsidiaries.
Other Expense
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, we had other expense of $50.1 million and $66.1 million compared to $2.3 million and $37.8 million for the same periods in the prior year. The current year expense for the three month period primarily related to a settlement loss on the termination of a pension plan of approximately $42 million, and approximately $6 million of realized losses on the marketable securities held in the RCRA Trusts. For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, other expense primarily related to the settlement loss of approximately $42 million mentioned above and approximately $12 million of realized losses on the marketable securities held in the RCRA Trusts.
Equity in Net Earnings of Nonconsolidated Companies
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, we had equity in net earnings of nonconsolidated companies of $15.8 million and $60.0 million compared to $72.1 million and $138.7 million for the same periods in the prior year. These results were primarily related to the operations of MWSPC, which was unfavorably impacted by lower selling prices for its products in the current year periods.
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(Benefit) Provision for Income Taxes
| Three months ended | Effective Tax Rate | Provision for Income Taxes | ||||||||||||
| September 30, 2023 | 31.7 | % | $ | (5.9) | ||||||||||
| September 30, 2022 | 26.1 | % | $ | 276.6 | ||||||||||
| Nine months ended | Effective Tax Rate | Provision for Income Taxes | ||||||||||||
| September 30, 2023 | 22.0 | % | $ | 220.8 | ||||||||||
| September 30, 2022 | 25.7 | % | $ | 1,018.3 |
For the three months ended September 30, 2023, income tax was a benefit of $5.9 million and the effective tax rate was 31.7%. For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, income tax expense was $220.8 million and the effective tax rate was 22.0%.
For the three months ended September 30, 2023, discrete tax items recorded in tax expense was a benefit of approximately $17.3 million. The net tax benefit consisted primarily of the true up of estimates from our U.S. tax return provision and other miscellaneous costs. In addition to items specific to the period, our income tax rate is impacted by the mix of earnings across the jurisdictions in which we operate, by a benefit associated with depletion, a benefit associated with non-U.S. incentives, changes in valuation allowances, withholding tax expense and by the impact of certain entities being taxed in both their foreign jurisdiction and the U.S., including foreign tax credits for various taxes incurred.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, discrete tax items recorded in tax expense was a benefit of approximately $41.1 million. The net tax benefit consisted primarily of the true up of estimates from our U.S. and Canada tax return provision, share-based excess benefit, interest of effectively settled unrecognized tax benefits, and other miscellaneous benefits. In addition to items specific to the period, our income tax rate is impacted by the mix of earnings across the jurisdictions in which we operate, by a benefit associated with depletion, a benefit associated with non-U.S. incentives, changes in valuation allowances, withholding tax expense and by the impact of certain entities being taxed in both their foreign jurisdiction and the U.S., including foreign tax credits for various taxes incurred.
Critical Accounting Estimates
The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in conformity with GAAP. In preparing the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, we are required to make various judgments, estimates and assumptions that could have a significant impact on the results reported in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. We base these estimates on historical experience and other assumptions believed to be reasonable by management under the circumstances. Changes in these estimates could have a material effect on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
The basis for our financial statement presentation, including our significant accounting estimates, is summarized in Note 2 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in this report. A summary description of our significant accounting policies is included in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in our 10-K Report. Further detailed information regarding our critical accounting estimates is included in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition in our 10-K Report.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of September 30, 2023, we had cash and cash equivalents of $591.0 million, short-term debt of $299.8 million, long-term debt, including current maturities, of approximately $3.4 billion, and stockholders’ equity of approximately $12.2 billion. We have a target liquidity buffer of up to $3.0 billion, including cash and available committed and uncommitted credit lines. We expect our liquidity to fluctuate from time to time, especially in the first quarter of each year, to manage through the seasonality of our business. We also target debt leverage ratios that are consistent with investment grade credit metrics. Our capital allocation priorities include maintaining our target investment grade metrics and financial strength, sustaining our assets, including ensuring the safety of our employees and reliability of our assets, investing to grow our business, either through organic growth or taking advantage of strategic opportunities, and returning excess cash to shareholders, including paying our
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dividend. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, we returned cash to shareholders through share repurchases of $606.0 million and cash dividends of $286.5 million, and invested $1.0 billion in capital expenditures.
Funds generated by operating activities, available cash and cash equivalents, and our credit facilities continue to be our most significant sources of liquidity. We believe funds generated from the expected results of operations and available cash, cash equivalents and borrowings under our committed and uncommitted credit facilities, as needed, will be sufficient to finance our operations, including our capital expenditures, existing strategic initiatives, debt repayments and expected dividend payments, for at least the next 12 months. There can be no assurance, however, that we will continue to generate cash flows at or above current levels. As of September 30, 2023, we had $2.49 billion available under our $2.50 billion committed revolving credit facility, approximately $1.3 billion available under our uncommitted facilities and had $2.2 billion available under our $2.5 billion commercial paper program that is backed by the revolving credit facility. We view amounts borrowed under our commercial paper program as a reduction of availability under our revolving credit facility. Our credit facilities, including the revolving credit facility, require us to maintain certain financial ratios, as discussed in Note 11 of our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in our 10-K Report. We were in compliance with these ratios as of September 30, 2023.
All of our cash equivalents are diversified in highly rated investment vehicles. Our cash and cash equivalents are held either in the U.S. or held by non-U.S. subsidiaries and are not subject to significant foreign currency exposures, as the majority are held in investments denominated in U.S. dollars as of September 30, 2023. These funds may create foreign currency transaction gains or losses, however, depending on the functional currency of the entity holding the cash. In addition, there are no significant restrictions that would preclude us from bringing these funds back to the U.S., aside from withholding taxes.
The following table represents a comparison of the net cash provided by operating activities, net cash used in investing activities, and net cash used in or provided by financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022:
| (in millions) | Nine months ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| September 30, | 2023-2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash Flow | 2023 | 2022 | Change | Percent | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 1,869.1 | $ | 2,980.1 | $ | (1,111.0) | (37) | % | |||||||||||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (955.0) | (916.5) | (38.5) | 4 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Net cash used in financing activities | (1,069.8) | (2,105.7) | 1,035.9 | (49) | % |
Operating Activities
During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, net cash provided by operating activities was $1.9 billion, compared to $3.0 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. Our results of operations, after non-cash adjustments to net earnings, contributed $1.6 billion to cash flows from operating activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to $4.1 billion as computed on the same basis for the prior year period. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, we had a favorable change in assets and liabilities of $252.4 million, compared to an unfavorable change of $1.1 billion during the nine months ended September 30, 2022.
The change in assets and liabilities for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, was primarily driven by favorable impacts from decreases in accounts receivable of $332.6 million and inventories of $1.1 billion, partially offset by an increase in other current and noncurrent assets of $347.3 million and a decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses of $926.5 million. The decrease in accounts receivable was primarily related to lower selling prices at the end of the quarter compared to the end of the prior year. The decrease in inventories was primarily due to lower inventory volumes, due to seasonality and lower raw material costs in the current year period. The increase in current and noncurrent assets was primarily due to an increase in taxes receivable and cloud computing costs in the current year. The decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities was primarily related to a decrease in raw material purchase prices, lower customer prepayments due to seasonality, the payment of taxes and payment of dividends and payment of incentive compensation related to 2022.
Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities was $955.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to $916.5 million for the same period a year ago. We had capital expenditures of $1.0 billion for the nine months ended September 30,
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2023, compared to $906.8 million in the prior year period. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, we completed the sale of the Resort for net proceeds of $158.4 million. During that period, we also purchased the other 50% equity of GSS for $41.0 million. GSS is now wholly owned by Mosaic.
Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was $1.1 billion, compared to $2.1 billion for the same period in the prior year. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, we made repurchases of our Common Stock at an aggregate cost of $606.0 million and paid dividends of $286.5 million. We also made net payments on our structured accounts payable arrangements of $176.6 million and payments on long-term debt of $44.8 million. We received net proceeds from short-term debt of $75.2 million.
Debt Instruments, Guarantees and Related Covenants
See Notes 11 and 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in our 10-K Report.
Financial Assurance Requirements
In addition to various operational and environmental regulations related to our Phosphate segment, we are subject to financial assurance requirements. In various jurisdictions in which we operate, particularly Florida and Louisiana, we are required to pass a financial strength test or provide credit support, typically in the form of surety bonds, letters of credit, certificates of deposit or trust funds. Further information regarding financial assurance requirements is included in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition in our 10-K Report, under “EPA RCRA Initiative,” and in Note 8 to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in this report.
Environmental, Health, Safety and Security Matters
Federal Jurisdiction Over “Waters of the United States.” The Clean Water Act (“CWA” or the “Act”) authorizes federal jurisdiction over “navigable waters,” defined in the Act as “waters of the United States” and often abbreviated as “WOTUS.” As it relates to Mosaic’s operations and facilities, the scope of the term WOTUS dictates legal requirements for our national pollutant discharge elimination system wastewater discharge permits and for impacts to surface waters and wetlands associated with our phosphate mining operations. A broad definition of WOTUS, and thus the scope of federal jurisdiction, increases the time required to identify wetlands and waterways subject to federal regulatory and permitting requirements, and the amount and type of mitigation required to compensate for impacts to jurisdictional WOTUS caused by our mining operations.
On May 25, 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its opinion in the Sackett v EPA case, which significantly limits water features that can be considered WOTUS and therefore subject to CWA Section 404 jurisdiction. The Court held the CWA extends only to those wetlands that are “as a practical matter indistinguishable from waters of the United States.” This requires “first, that the adjacent [body of water constitutes] . . . ‘water[s] of the United States,’ (i.e., a relatively permanent body of water connected to traditional interstate navigable waters); and second, that the wetland has a continuous surface connection with that water, making it difficult to determine where the ‘water’ ends and the ‘wetland’ begins.” The Sackett decision is binding nationwide as to the determination of which wetlands and waters are subject to the CWA.
The Sackett decision invalidated the January 18, 2023 definition of WOTUS promulgated by the EPA which had expanded federal jurisdiction. In response to Sackett, on August 29, 2023, the EPA issued a final rule intended to conform its definition of WOTUS to the Sackett decision. The conforming rule became effective on September 8, 2023.
As a result of ongoing litigation, the January 2023 WOTUS rule, as “conformed” by the September 2023 rule, is being implemented only in 23 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Territories. In the other 27 states, WOTUS is interpreted consistent with the pre-2015 regulatory regime and the Supreme Court's Sackett decision.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Obligations
Information regarding off-balance sheet arrangements and obligations is included in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition in our 10-K Report and Note 17 to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in this report.
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Contingencies
Information regarding contingencies is hereby incorporated by reference to Note 17 to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in this report.
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Forward-Looking Statements
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Information
All statements, other than statements of historical fact, appearing in this report constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward looking statements include, among other things, statements about our expectations, beliefs, intentions or strategies for the future, including statements about proposed or pending future transactions or strategic plans, statements concerning our future operations, financial condition and prospects, statements regarding our expectations for capital expenditures, statements concerning our level of indebtedness and other information, and any statements of assumptions regarding any of the foregoing. In particular, forward-looking statements may include words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “could”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend”, “may”, “potential”, “predict”, “project” or “should”. These statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from expectations as of the date of this filing.
Factors that could cause reported results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the following:
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business and economic conditions and governmental policies affecting the agricultural industry where we or our customers operate, including price and demand volatility resulting from periodic imbalances of supply and demand;
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because of political and economic instability, civil unrest or changes in government policies in Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Peru or other countries in which we do business, our operations could be disrupted as higher costs of doing business could result, including those associated with implementation of new freight tables and new mining legislation;
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the continued impact of the novel coronavirus Covid-19 pandemic on the global economy and our business, suppliers, customers, employees and the communities in which we operate;
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a potential drop in oil demand, which could lead to a significant decline in production, and its impact on the availability and price of sulfur, a key raw material input for our Phosphate and Mosaic Fertilizantes segment operations;
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changes in farmers’ application rates for crop nutrients;
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changes in the operation of world phosphate or potash markets, including consolidation in the crop nutrient industry, particularly if we do not participate in the consolidation;
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the expansion or contraction of production capacity or selling efforts by competitors or new entrants in the industries in which we operate, including the effects of actions by members of Canpotex to prove the production capacity of potash expansion projects, through proving runs or otherwise;
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the effect of future product innovations or development of new technologies on demand for our products;
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seasonality in our business that results in the need to carry significant amounts of inventory and seasonal peaks in working capital requirements, which may result in excess inventory or product shortages;
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changes in the costs, or constraints on supplies, of raw materials or energy used in manufacturing our products, or in the costs or availability of transportation for our products;
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economic and market conditions, including supply chain challenges and increased costs and delays caused by transportation and labor shortages;
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declines in our selling prices or significant increases in costs that can require us to write down our inventories to the lower of cost or market, or require us to impair goodwill or other long-lived assets, or establish a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets;
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the lag in realizing the benefit of falling market prices for the raw materials we use to produce our products that can occur while we consume raw materials that we purchased or committed to purchase in the past at higher prices;
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disruptions of our operations at any of our key production, distribution, transportation or terminaling facilities, including those of Canpotex or any joint venture in which we participate;
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shortages or other unavailability of trucks, railcars, tugs, barges and ships for carrying our products and raw materials;
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the effects of and change in trade, monetary, environmental, tax and fiscal policies, laws and regulations;
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foreign exchange rates and fluctuations in those rates;
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tax regulations, currency exchange controls and other restrictions that may affect our ability to optimize the use of our liquidity;
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risks associated with our international operations, including any potential and actual adverse effects related to the Miski Mayo mine;
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adverse weather and climate conditions affecting our operations, including the impact of potential hurricanes, excessive heat, cold, snow, rainfall or drought;
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difficulties or delays in receiving, challenges to, increased costs of obtaining or satisfying conditions of, or revocation or withdrawal of required governmental and regulatory approvals, including permitting activities;
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changes in the environmental and other governmental regulation that applies to our operations, including federal legislation or regulatory action expanding the types and extent of water resources regulated under federal law and the possibility of further federal or state legislation or regulatory action affecting or related to greenhouse gas emissions, including carbon taxes or other measures that may be implemented in Canada or other jurisdictions in which we operate, or of restrictions or liabilities related to elevated levels of naturally-occurring radiation that arise from disturbing the ground in the course of mining activities or possible efforts to reduce the flow of nutrients into the Gulf of Mexico, the Mississippi River basin or elsewhere;
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the potential costs and effects of implementation of federal or state water quality standards for the discharge of nitrogen and/or phosphorus into Florida waterways;
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the financial resources of our competitors, including state-owned and government-subsidized entities in other countries;
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the possibility of defaults by our customers on trade credit that we extend to them or on indebtedness that they incur to purchase our products and that we guarantee;
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any significant reduction in customers’ liquidity or access to credit that they need to purchase our products;
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the effectiveness of the processes we put in place to manage our significant strategic priorities, including our investment in MWSPC, and to successfully integrate and grow acquired businesses;
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actual costs of various items differing from management’s current estimates, including, among others, asset retirement, environmental remediation, reclamation or other environmental obligations and Canadian resource taxes and royalties, or the costs of MWSPC or its existing or future funding;
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the costs and effects of legal and administrative proceedings and regulatory matters affecting us, including environmental, tax or administrative proceedings, complaints that our operations are adversely impacting nearby farms, businesses, other property uses or properties, settlements thereof and actions taken by courts with respect to approvals of settlements, costs related to defending and resolving global audit, appeal or court activity and other further developments in legal proceedings and regulatory matters;
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the success of our efforts to attract and retain highly qualified and motivated employees;
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strikes, labor stoppages or slowdowns by our work force or increased costs resulting from unsuccessful labor contract negotiations, and the potential costs and effects of compliance with new regulations affecting our workforce, which increasingly focus on wages and hours, healthcare, retirement and other employee benefits;
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brine inflows at our potash mines;
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accidents or other incidents involving our properties or operations, including potential fires, explosions, seismic events, sinkholes, unsuccessful tailings management, ineffective mine safety procedures or releases of hazardous or volatile chemicals;
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terrorism, armed conflict or other malicious intentional acts, including cybersecurity risks such as attempts to gain unauthorized access to, or disable, our information technology systems, or our costs of addressing malicious intentional acts;
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actions by the holders of controlling equity interests in businesses in which we hold a noncontrolling interest;
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changes in our relationships with other members of Canpotex or any joint venture in which we participate or their or our exit from participation in Canpotex or any such export association or joint venture, and other changes in our commercial arrangements with unrelated third parties;
*•*difficulties in realizing benefits under our long-term natural gas based pricing ammonia supply agreement with CF, including the risks that the cost savings initially anticipated from the agreement may not be fully realized over the term of the agreement or that the price of natural gas or the market price for ammonia during the agreement’s term are at levels at which the agreement’s natural gas based pricing is disadvantageous to us, compared with purchases in the spot market; and
- other risk factors reported from time to time in our SEC reports.
Material uncertainties and other factors known to us are discussed in Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” of our 10-K Report and incorporated by reference herein as if fully stated herein.
We base our forward-looking statements on information currently available to us, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any of these statements, whether as a result of changes in underlying factors, new information, future events or other developments.
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