Oct 29 2013
The Mosaic Company today announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the phosphate business of CF Industries, Inc. (NYSE: CF) for $1.2 billion in cash plus $200 million to fund CF Industries' asset retirement obligation escrow.
Under the terms of the agreement, Mosaic would acquire the 22,000-acre South Pasture phosphate mine and beneficiation plant in Hardee County, Fla., a phosphate manufacturing facility in Plant City, Fla., and ammonia terminal and finished product warehouse facilities in Tampa. The CF Industries' facilities currently produce approximately 1.8 million tonnes of phosphate fertilizer per year, which would be additive to the annual 8.2 million tonnes currently produced by Mosaic.
The acquisition is expected to add approximately $0.30 per share to Mosaic's 2015 earnings per share, excluding any debt financing costs and any changes to outstanding share count.
The proximity of CF Industries' South Pasture mine to Mosaic's planned Ona phosphate mine in Hardee County would allow Mosaic to take advantage of the synergies associated with the combined mining assets. The existing infrastructure at South Pasture would result in Mosaic saving approximately $500 million by not having to construct a $1 billion beneficiation plant. Mosaic would instead invest approximately $500 million to develop phosphate rock reserves and improve existing mines.
Mosaic and CF Industries also signed strategic supply agreements under which CF Industries will provide Mosaic with up to approximately 1.0 million tonnes per year of ammonia. Under one agreement, Mosaic will purchase up to 725,000 tonnes annually for 15 years with pricing based on a formula tied to the prevailing price of U.S. natural gas. This agreement is expected to commence prior to January 2017. Under a second agreement, Mosaic will purchase approximately 270,000 tonnes annually for three years from CF Industries' Trinidad operations at CFR Tampa market-based pricing. In light of these supply arrangements, Mosaic has decided to forego its proposed ammonia manufacturing plant at its Faustina, La. phosphate facility, saving approximately $1.1 billion in future capital expenditures.
"Uniting CF Industries' phosphate operations with Mosaic's creates an ideal combination that provides the opportunity for enhanced operating efficiencies and sustainability efforts, lower production costs and reduced capital investment—creating value for our shareholders, customers and employees," said Mosaic President and Chief Executive Officer James T. Prokopanko. "The addition of these new phosphate assets and securing access to long-term ammonia supplies solidifies Mosaic's position among the largest and best phosphate producers in the world."
The phosphate acquisition would be additive to Mosaic's existing Florida operations, and complements the company's plans to mine phosphate rock reserves in Hardee and Desoto counties and extensions of the existing Wingate mine.
"We are thrilled to add CF Industries' Florida phosphate employees and facilities to the Mosaic family," said Gary N. "Bo" Davis, Mosaic Senior Vice President - Phosphate Operations. "We look forward to working together to help the world grow the food it needs while strengthening our operations and deep commitments to the Central Florida communities where our employees live and work."
In total, the transactions are expected to favorably impact Mosaic's future capital expenditures. In addition to the $1.4 billion total consideration in connection with the acquisition of CF Industries' phosphate business, Mosaic expects to spend an estimated $500 million to develop reserves and improve existing mines, and an estimated $200 million on marine assets to transport ammonia from Louisiana to its Florida facilities. The estimated $2.1 billion of investments and capital expenditures is expected to be offset by an estimated $2.1 billion in capital savings related to the cancellations of the Faustina ammonia project and the planned Ona beneficiation facility. Mosaic also expects to capture significant additional operating efficiencies.
Under terms of the agreement, as part of the $1.4 billion total consideration, Mosaic would replace CF Industries' $200 million of escrowed financial assurance earmarked for closure and long-term care of phosphogypsum stacks under CF Industries' operation in Florida.
The transaction is expected to close in the first half of calendar 2014 and is not expected to impact Mosaic's shareholder distribution plans. Customary regulatory approvals are required.
Mosaic will conduct a conference call on Monday, Oct. 28, 2013 at 10 a.m. EDT to discuss the transaction details.
Source: http://www.mosaicco.com/