MOSAIC CO - Annual Report: 2014 (Form 10-K)
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
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FORM 10-K
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x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the year ended December 31, 2014
¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from _____ to _____
Commission file number 001-32327
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The Mosaic Company
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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Delaware | 20-1026454 | |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
3033 Campus Drive
Suite E490
Plymouth, Minnesota 55441
(800) 918-8270
(Address and zip code of principal executive offices and registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class | Name of each exchange on which registered | |
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share | New York Stock Exchange |
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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: NONE
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ¨ No x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports); and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one): Large accelerated filer x Accelerated filer ¨ Non-accelerated filer ¨ Smaller reporting company ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No x
As of June 30, 2014, the aggregate market value of the registrant’s voting common stock held by stockholders, other than directors, executive officers, subsidiaries of the Registrant and any other person known by the Registrant as of the date hereof to beneficially own ten percent or more of any class of Registrant’s outstanding voting common stock, and consisting of shares of Common Stock and Class A Common Stock, was approximately $18.0 billion based upon the closing price of a share of Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange on that date.
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock: 348,667,983 shares of Common Stock, 17,176,046 shares of Class A Common Stock and 0 shares of Class B Common Stock, each par value $0.01 per share, as of February 11, 2015.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
1. | Portions of the registrant’s definitive proxy statement to be delivered in conjunction with the 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (Part III) |
2014 FORM 10-K CONTENTS
Part I: | Page | |
Item 1. | ||
• Overview | ||
Item 1A. | ||
Item 1B. | ||
Item 2. | ||
Item 3. | ||
Item 4. | ||
Part II: | ||
Item 5. | ||
Item 6. | ||
Item 7. | ||
Item 7A. | ||
Item 8. | ||
Item 9. | ||
Item 9A. | ||
Item 9B. | ||
Part III: | ||
Item 10. | ||
Item 11. | ||
Item 12. | ||
Item 13. | ||
Item 14. | ||
Part IV. | ||
Item 15. | ||
PART I.
Item 1. Business.
OVERVIEW
The Mosaic Company is the world’s leading producer and marketer of concentrated phosphate and potash crop nutrients. We are the largest integrated phosphate producer in the world and one of the largest producers and marketers of phosphate-based animal feed ingredients in the United States. We are one of the four largest potash producers in the world. Through our broad product offering, we are a single source supplier of phosphate- and potash-based crop nutrients and animal feed ingredients. We serve customers in approximately 40 countries. We mine phosphate rock in Florida and process rock into finished phosphate products at facilities in Florida and Louisiana. We mine potash in Saskatchewan and New Mexico. We have other production, blending or distribution operations in Brazil, China, India and Paraguay, as well as strategic equity investments in a phosphate rock mine in the Bayovar region in Peru and a joint venture formed to develop a phosphate rock mine and chemical complexes in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Our distribution operations serve the top four nutrient-consuming countries in the world.
The Mosaic Company is a Delaware corporation that was incorporated in March 2004 and serves as the parent company of the business that was formed through the October 2004 combination of IMC Global Inc. and the fertilizer businesses of Cargill, Incorporated. We are publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “MOS” and are headquartered in Plymouth, Minnesota.
We conduct our business through wholly and majority-owned subsidiaries as well as businesses in which we own less than a majority or a non-controlling interest. We are organized into two reportable business segments: Phosphates and Potash. The following charts show the respective contributions to 2014 sales volumes, net sales and operating earnings for each of these business segments:
![](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0001285785/000161803415000005/chartsalestonnesa01.jpg)
![](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0001285785/000161803415000005/chartnetsalesa02.jpg)
![](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0001285785/000161803415000005/chartoperatingearningsa02.jpg)
Phosphates Segment — We are the largest integrated phosphate producer in the world and one of the largest producers and marketers of phosphate-based animal feed ingredients in the United States. We sell phosphate-based crop nutrients and animal feed ingredients throughout North America and internationally. Our Phosphates segment also includes our international distribution activities. Our distribution activities include sales offices, port terminals and warehouses in the United States, Canada, and several other key international countries. In addition, the international distribution activities include blending, bagging or production facilities in Brazil, China, India and Paraguay. We account for approximately 14% of estimated global annual production and 71% of estimated North American annual production of concentrated phosphate crop nutrients.
Potash Segment — We are one of the four largest potash producers in the world. We sell potash throughout North America and internationally, principally as fertilizer, but also for use in industrial applications and, to a lesser degree, as animal feed ingredients. We account for approximately 14% of estimated global annual potash production and 44% of estimated North American annual potash production.
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As used in this report:
• | “Mosaic” means The Mosaic Company, both before and after the Merger; |
• | “GNS” means the company known as GNS II (U.S.) Corp. until it was renamed The Mosaic Company in connection with the Merger; |
• | “MOS Holdings” means the company known as The Mosaic Company until it was renamed MOS Holdings Inc. in connection with the Merger; |
• | “we”, “us”, and “our” refer to Mosaic and its direct and indirect subsidiaries, individually or in any combination; |
• | “IMC” means IMC Global Inc.; |
• | “Cargill” means Cargill, Incorporated and its direct and indirect subsidiaries, individually or in any combination; |
• | “Cargill Crop Nutrition” means the crop nutrient business we acquired from Cargill in the Combination; |
• | “Combination” means the October 22, 2004 combination of IMC and Cargill Crop Nutrition; |
• | “Cargill Transaction” means the transactions described below under “Cargill Transaction and Share Repurchases” other than repurchases of shares of our Common Stock under the Repurchase Program; |
• | “MAC Trusts” means the Margaret A. Cargill foundation established under the Acorn Trust dated January 30, 1995, as amended, and the Anne Ray Charitable Trust dated August 20, 1996, as amended; |
• | “Merger” means a Merger that occurred on May 25, 2011 as part of the transaction described below under “Cargill Transaction.” The Merger was between a subsidiary of GNS and MOS Holdings and had the effect of recapitalizing our Common Stock and making GNS the parent company of MOS Holdings. Prior to the Merger, GNS was a wholly-owned subsidiary of the company then known as The Mosaic Company. In the Merger, all of the outstanding stock of MOS Holdings was converted, on a one-for-one basis, into GNS stock. In connection with the Merger, the company formerly known as The Mosaic Company was renamed MOS Holdings Inc. and GNS was renamed The Mosaic Company. Following the Merger, our common stock continues to trade under the ticker symbol MOS; |
• | “Stub Period” refers to the seven-month transition period ended December 31, 2013; |
• | “tonne” or “tonnes” means a metric tonne or tonnes of 2,205 pounds each unless we specifically state that we mean short or long tons; |
• | references in this report to a particular fiscal year are to the twelve months ended May 31 of that year; and |
• | statements as to our industry position reflect information from the most recent period available. |
Cargill Transaction and Share Repurchases
Cargill Transaction
In May 2011, Cargill divested its interest in us in a split-off (the “Split-off”) to its stockholders (the “Exchanging Cargill Stockholders”), including the MAC Trusts, and a debt exchange (the “Debt Exchange”) with certain Cargill debt holders (the “Exchanging Cargill Debt Holders”). The agreements relating to the Cargill Transaction contemplated an orderly distribution of the approximately 64% (285.8 million) of our shares that Cargill formerly held. Following the Split-off and Debt Exchange, the MAC Trusts and Exchanging Cargill Debt Holders sold an aggregate of 157.0 million of these shares in underwritten public secondary offerings or to us. These transactions completed the disposition of shares designated to be sold during the 15-month period following the Split-off.
All other shares (approximately 128.8 million shares in the aggregate) of our Class A Common Stock (“Class A Shares”) received by the Exchanging Cargill Stockholders in the Split-off have generally been subject to transfer restrictions unless we consent. These transfer restrictions are removed as the Class A Shares convert to regular Common Stock. The first such conversion, under which all 42.9 million outstanding Class A Shares, Series A-1 (including 21,647,007 shares held by the MAC Trusts), were converted into regular Mosaic Common Stock, par value $.01 per share (“Common Stock”), occurred on November 26, 2013. On November 26, 2014, the remaining 17,176,068 Class A Shares, Series A-2, held by Exchanging Cargill Stockholders, were converted into Common Stock. Conversion of the remaining 17,176,046 Class A Shares, Series A-3, held by Exchanging Cargill Stockholders, is scheduled to occur on November 26, 2015.
The agreements relating to the Cargill Transaction continued to restrict our ability to engage in share buybacks until November 26, 2013, when the last of such restrictions expired.
On December 6, 2013, Mosaic entered into a share repurchase agreement with the MAC Trusts (the “MAC Trusts Share Repurchase Agreement”) to purchase all of the remaining Class A Shares held by the MAC Trusts through a series of eight purchases occurring from January 8, 2014 through July 30, 2014. During 2014, pursuant to the MAC Trusts Share Repurchase Agreement, all 21,647,007 Class A Shares, Series A-3, held by the MAC Trusts, and 21,647,008 Class A Shares, Series A-2, were repurchased for an aggregate of approximately $2.0 billion.
Under the MAC Trusts Share Repurchase Agreement, the purchase price per share was equal to the Common Market Price, as defined in Mosaic’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as of the date of the purchase. In general and subject to the terms and
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provisions of the Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the Common Market Price as of any date is equal to the average of the volume weighted average trading price of Common Stock, for each trading day during the preceding 20-day trading period.
Other Share Repurchases
In February of 2014, our Board of Directors authorized a $1 billion share repurchase program (the “Repurchase Program”), allowing the Company to repurchase Class A Shares or shares of our Common Stock , through direct buybacks or in open market transactions. This authorization is in addition to the MAC Trusts Share Repurchase Agreement described above. During 2014, under the Repurchase Program, 8,193,698 Class A Shares were repurchased under agreements we entered into with certain Cargill family member trusts (the “Family Trusts Share Repurchase Agreements”, and together with the MAC Trusts Share Repurchase Agreement, the "Share Repurchase Agreements") and 7,585,085 shares of Common Stock were repurchased on the open market for an aggregate of $727.3 million.
The Share Repurchase Agreements were accounted for as forward contracts with an initial liability established at fair value based on the average of the weighted average trading price for each of the preceding 20-day trading days and a corresponding reduction of equity. The contracts were subsequently remeasured at the present value of the amount to be paid at settlement with the difference being recognized in the consolidated statement of earnings. In calculating basic and diluted earnings per share ("EPS"), we were required to exclude the Class A shares that remained to be repurchased. Any amounts, including contractual (accumulated) dividends and participation rights in undistributed earnings, attributable to shares that remained to be repurchased that had not yet been recognized in the consolidated statement of earnings were deducted in computing income available to common shareholders, consistent with the two-class method. See the calculation of EPS in Note 7 of our Consolidated Financial Statements.
We have included additional information about the Cargill Transaction and other share repurchases in Note 2 of our Consolidated Financial Statements and in response to Item 13 of Part III of this report, which information is incorporated herein by reference, and the principal transaction documents related to the Cargill Transaction are incorporated by reference as exhibits to this report.
Other Business Developments during 2014
During calendar year 2014, we took the following steps toward achieving our strategic priorities:
• | Growth: Grow our production of essential crop nutrients and operate with increasing efficiency |
• | On March 17, 2014, we completed the acquisition of the Florida phosphate assets and assumption of certain related liabilities (the “CF Phosphate Assets Acquisition”) of CF industries, Inc. ("CF") for $1,172.1 million plus an additional $203.7 million (all in cash) to fund CF's asset retirement obligation trust and escrow. This acquisition provides opportunities for enhanced operating efficiencies, lower production costs and reduced capital investment. We also signed two strategic supply agreements with CF under which CF will provide us with ammonia for our production purposes. This transaction is further described in Note 23 of our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. |
• | On June 30, 2014, the Wa'ad Al Shamal Phosphate Company (the “Wa’ad Al Shamal Joint Venture”), our joint venture with Saudi Arabian Mining Company (“Ma’aden”) and Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (“SABIC”) to develop, own and operate integrated phosphate production facilities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, entered into funding facilities with a consortium of 20 financial institutions for approximately $5.0 billion. We estimate the cost to develop and construct the integrated phosphate production facilities will approximate $7.5 billion, which we expect to be funded through external funding facilities, including the ones mentioned above, and investment by the joint venture members. |
• | The expansion in our Colonsay mine was completed and added an additional 0.6 million tonnes of operational capacity. |
• | We continued the expansion of capacity in our Potash segment, with the K3 shafts at our Esterhazy mine, which are on track to start producing ore in 2017 and are expected to add an estimated 0.9 million tonnes to our potash operational capacity. In December 2014, our Board approved approximately $1.5 billion in capital expenditures over the next ten years to increase the mining capacity of the K3 shafts and provide for an infrastructure to move rock from K3 to the K1 and K2 mills. This would provide us the flexibility to optimize production at K1, K2 and K3 in order to mitigate risk from current and future brine inflows. |
• | Market Access: Expand our reach and impact by continuously strengthening our distribution network |
• | On December 17, 2014, we completed the acquisition of Archer Daniels Midland Company's ("ADM") fertilizer distribution business and working capital in Brazil and Paraguay for approximately $350 million. This acquisition is expected to significantly accelerate our previously announced growth plans in Brazil as well as |
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replace a substantial amount of planned internal investments in that country. We acquired four blending and warehousing facilities in Brazil, one in Paraguay and additional warehousing and logistics service capabilities. We expect this acquisition to increase our annual distribution in the region from approximately four million metric tonnes to about six million metric tonnes of crop nutrients.
• | Innovation: Build on our industry-leading product, process and sustainability innovations |
• | We announced plans to further expand MicroEssentials® capacity, adding an incremental 1.2 million tonnes, and bringing total capacity to 3.5 million tonnes by 2017. Sales volumes of MicroEssentials® products in North America increased approximately 14% in the year ended December 31, 2014 from 2013, contributing to a new Mosaic record for sales of MicroEssentials®. |
• | Total Shareholder return: Deliver strong financial performance and provide meaningful returns to our shareholders |
• | Our Board of Directors authorized a $1 billion Repurchase Program, allowing the Company to repurchase Class A Shares or Common Stock, through negotiated direct transactions or in the open market. During 2014, under the Repurchase Program, Mosaic has repurchased 8.2 million Class A Shares under agreements we entered with certain Cargill family member trusts and 7.6 million shares of Common Stock were repurchased for an aggregate of $727.3 million. |
• | On July 23, 2014, we announced our decision to permanently discontinue production of muriate of potash ("MOP") at our Carlsbad, New Mexico facility and transition the facility to exclusive production of our highly valued K-Mag® product line. The decision was based on the quality of the ore in the Carlsbad basin and the age of the facility's infrastructure. The final date for production of MOP was December 28, 2014. |
• | On July 29, 2014, we completed the sale of our salt operations at our Hersey, Michigan mine for approximately $55 million, resulting in a pre-tax gain of $13.5 million. We also closed our low producing potash operations at Hersey allowing us to focus on our higher producing potash mines. |
• | On November 18, 2014, we completed the sale of our Argentina assets, which resulted in a gain of approximately $8.5 million during 2014, allowing us to focus on our more profitable distribution operations. |
We have included additional information about these and other developments in our business during 2014 in our Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“Management’s Analysis”) and in the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION
The discussion below of our business segment operations should be read in conjunction with the following information that we have included in this report:
• | The risk factors discussed in this report in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors.” |
• | Our Management’s Analysis. |
• | The financial statements and supplementary financial information in our Consolidated Financial Statements (“Consolidated Financial Statements”). This information is incorporated by reference in this report in Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” |
Phosphates Segment
Our Phosphates business segment owns and operates mines and production facilities in Florida which produce concentrated phosphate crop nutrients and phosphate-based animal feed ingredients, and processing plants in Louisiana which produce concentrated phosphate crop nutrients. Our Phosphates segment’s results also include our international distribution activities.
On March 17, 2014, Mosaic completed the CF Phosphate Assets Acquisition, which included the 25,000-acre South Pasture phosphate mine and beneficiation plant in Hardee County, Florida, a phosphate manufacturing facility in Plant City, Florida, and ammonia terminal and finished product warehouse facilities in Tampa.
On December 17, 2014, we completed the acquisition of ADM's fertilizer distribution business and working capital in Brazil and Paraguay, as discussed above.
U.S. Phosphate Crop Nutrients and Animal Feed Ingredients
Our U.S. phosphates operations have capacity to produce approximately 5.2 million tonnes of phosphoric acid (“P2O5 ”) per year, or about 9% of world annual capacity and about 56% of North American annual capacity. Phosphoric acid is produced by reacting finely ground phosphate rock with sulfuric acid. Phosphoric acid is the key building block for the production of high
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analysis or concentrated phosphate crop nutrients and animal feed products, and is the most comprehensive measure of phosphate capacity and production and a commonly used benchmark in our industry. Our U.S. phosphoric acid production totaled approximately 4.4 million tonnes during 2014. We account for approximately 11% of estimated global annual production and 54% of estimated North American annual output.
Our phosphate crop nutrient products are marketed worldwide to crop nutrient manufacturers, distributors, retailers and farmers. Our principal phosphate crop nutrient products are:
• | Diammonium Phosphate (18-46-0) Diammonium Phosphate (“DAP”) is the most widely used high-analysis phosphate crop nutrient worldwide. DAP is produced by first combining phosphoric acid with anhydrous ammonia in a reaction vessel. This initial reaction creates a slurry that is then pumped into a granulation plant where it is reacted with additional ammonia to produce DAP. DAP is a solid granular product that is applied directly or blended with other solid plant nutrient products such as urea and potash. |
• | Monoammonium Phosphate (11-52-0) Monoammonium Phosphate (“MAP”) is the second most widely used high-analysis phosphate crop nutrient and the fastest growing phosphate product worldwide. MAP is also produced by first combining phosphoric acid with anhydrous ammonia in a reaction vessel. The resulting slurry is then pumped into the granulation plant where it is reacted with additional phosphoric acid to produce MAP. MAP is a solid granular product that is applied directly or blended with other solid plant nutrient products. |
• | MicroEssentials® is a value-added ammoniated phosphate product that is enhanced through a patented process that creates very thin platelets of sulfur and other micronutrients, such as zinc, on the granulated product. The patented process incorporates both the sulfate and elemental forms of sulfur, providing season long availability to crops. |
Production of our animal feed ingredients products is located at our New Wales, Florida facility. We market our feed phosphate primarily under the leading brand names of Biofos® and Nexfos®.
Our primary phosphate crop nutrient production facilities are located in central Florida and Louisiana. The following map shows the locations of each of our phosphate concentrates plants in the United States and the locations of each of our active and planned phosphate mines in Florida:
![](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0001285785/000161803415000005/floridamap01.jpg)
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Annual capacity by plant as of December 31, 2014 and production volumes by plant for 2014 are listed below:
(tonnes in millions) | Phosphoric Acid | Processed Phosphate(a)/DAP/MAP/MicroEssentials®/Feed Phosphate | ||||||||||
Operational Capacity(b) | Operational Capacity(b) | |||||||||||
Facility | Production | Production | ||||||||||
Florida: | ||||||||||||
Bartow | 0.9 | 1.0 | 2.2 | 2.1 | ||||||||
New Wales | 1.7 | 1.5 | 4.1 | 3.2 | ||||||||
Riverview | 0.9 | 0.7 | 1.8 | 1.4 | ||||||||
Plant City (c) | 0.9 | 0.6 | 2.0 | 1.3 | ||||||||
4.4 | 3.8 | 10.1 | 8.0 | |||||||||
Louisiana: | ||||||||||||
Faustina | — | — | 1.6 | 1.3 | ||||||||
Uncle Sam | 0.8 | 0.6 | — | — | ||||||||
0.8 | 0.6 | 1.6 | 1.3 | |||||||||
Total | 5.2 | 4.4 | 11.7 | 9.3 |
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(a) | Our ability to produce processed phosphates has been less than our annual operational capacity stated in the table above, except to the extent we purchase phosphoric acid. |
(b) | Actual production varies from annual operational capacity shown in the above table due to factors that include among others the level of demand for our products, maintenance and turnaround time, accidents, mechanical failure, product mix, and other operating conditions. |
(c) | Production at the Plant City facility reflects operations from March of 2014, when the facility was acquired. Operational capacity represents full-year capacity. |
The phosphoric acid produced at Uncle Sam is shipped to Faustina, where it is used to produce DAP, MAP and MicroEssentials®. Our Faustina plant also manufactures ammonia that is mostly consumed in our concentrate plants.
We produced approximately 8.7 million tonnes of concentrated phosphate crop nutrients during 2014 and accounted for approximately 14% of estimated world annual output and 71% of estimated North American annual production.
Phosphate Rock
Phosphate rock is the key mineral used to produce phosphate crop nutrients and feed phosphate. Our phosphate rock production totaled approximately 14.0 million tonnes in 2014 and accounted for approximately 7% of estimated world annual production and 53% of estimated North American annual production. We are the world’s second largest miner of phosphate rock and currently operate four mines with a combined annual capacity of approximately 17.2 million tonnes. Production of one tonne of DAP requires between 1.6 and 1.7 tonnes of phosphate rock.
All of our wholly owned phosphate mines and related mining operations are located in central Florida. During 2014, we operated five active mines: Four Corners, South Fort Meade, Hookers Prairie, Wingate and South Pasture, which was acquired in March of 2014. The Hookers Prairie mine's reserves were exhausted in June of 2014. We plan to develop reserves at Ona and at DeSoto to replace reserves that will be depleted at various times during the next decade.
The phosphate deposits of Florida are of sedimentary origin and are part of a phosphate-bearing province that extends from southern Florida north along the Atlantic coast into southern Virginia. Our active phosphate mines are primarily located in what is known as the Bone Valley Member of the Peace River Formation in the Central Florida Phosphate District. The southern portions of the Four Corners and Wingate mines are in what is referred to as the Undifferentiated Peace River Formation, in which our future Ona and DeSoto reserves are also located. Phosphate mining has been conducted in the Central Florida Phosphate District since the late 1800’s. The potentially mineable portion of the district encompasses an area approximately 80 miles in length in a north-south direction and approximately 40 miles in width.
We extract phosphate ore using large surface mining machines that we own called “draglines.” Prior to extracting the ore, the draglines must first remove a 10 to 50 foot layer of sandy overburden. At our Wingate mine, we also utilize dredges to remove the overburden and mine the ore. We then process the ore at beneficiation plants that we own at each active mine where the ore
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goes through washing, screening, sizing and flotation processes designed to separate the phosphate rock from sands, clays and other foreign materials. Prior to commencing operations at any of our planned future mines, we would need to acquire new draglines or move existing draglines to the mines and, unless the beneficiation plant at an existing mine were used, construct a beneficiation plant.
The following table shows, for each of our phosphate mines, annual capacity as of December 31, 2014 and rock production volume and grade for calendar years 2014 and 2013, the Stub Period and fiscal 2013:
(tonnes in millions) | Annual Operational Capacity(a) | Calendar 2014 | Calendar 2013 | Stub Period | Fiscal 2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Facility | Production | Average BPL(b) | % P2O5(c) | Production | Average BPL(b) | % P2O5(c) | Production | Average BPL(b) | % P2O5(c) | Production | Average BPL(b) | % P2O5(c) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Four Corners | 7.0 | 5.4 | 63.8 | 29.2 | 6.0 | 64.0 | 29.3 | 3.6 | 63.5 | 29.1 | 6.4 | 64.5 | 29.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
South Fort Meade | 5.5 | 4.1 | 61.6 | 28.2 | 5.0 | 64.4 | 29.5 | 2.5 | 64.0 | 29.3 | 5.5 | 64.2 | 29.4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Hookers Prairie(d) | — | 0.8 | 64.8 | 29.8 | 1.9 | 65.2 | 29.8 | 1.0 | 64.1 | 29.3 | 2.0 | 65.6 | 30.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
South Pasture(e) | 3.2 | 2.6 | 60.9 | 27.9 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Wingate | 1.5 | 1.1 | 63.8 | 29.2 | 1.3 | 62.1 | 28.4 | 0.8 | 62.7 | 28.7 | 1.5 | 61.8 | 28.3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 17.2 | 14.0 | 62.7 | 28.7 | 14.2 | 64.1 | 29.3 | 7.9 | 63.7 | 29.1 | 15.4 | 64.4 | 29.5 |
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(a) | Actual production varies from annual operational capacity shown in the above table due to factors that include among others the level of demand for our products, the quality of the reserves, the nature of the geologic formations we are mining at any particular time, maintenance and turnaround time, accidents, mechanical failure, weather conditions, and other operating conditions, as well as the effect of recent initiatives intended to improve operational excellence. |
(b) | Bone Phosphate of Lime (“BPL”) is a traditional reference to the amount (by weight percentage) of calcium phosphate contained in phosphate rock or a phosphate ore body. A higher BPL corresponds to a higher percentage of calcium phosphate. |
(c) | The percent of P2O5 in the above table represents a measure of the phosphate content in phosphate rock or a phosphate ore body. A higher percentage corresponds to a higher percentage of phosphate content in phosphate rock or a phosphate ore body. |
(d) | The Hookers Prairie mine’s reserves were exhausted during 2014. |
(e) | Production at the South Pasture mine reflects rock mined from March of 2014, when the mine was acquired. Annual operational capacity represents full-year capacity. |
Reserves
We estimate our phosphate rock reserves based upon exploration core drilling as well as technical and economic analyses to determine that reserves can be economically mined. Proven (measured) reserves are those resources of sufficient concentration to meet minimum physical, chemical and economic criteria related to our current product standards and mining and production practices. Our estimates of probable (indicated) reserves are based on information similar to that used for proven reserves, but sites for drilling are farther apart or are otherwise less adequately spaced than for proven reserves, although the degree of assurance is high enough to assume continuity between such sites. Proven reserves are determined using a minimum drill hole spacing of two sites per 40 acre block. Probable reserves have less than two drill holes per 40 acre block, but geological data provides a high degree of assurance that continuity exists between sites.
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The following table sets forth our proven and probable phosphate reserves as of December 31, 2014:
(tonnes in millions) | Reserve Tonnes (a)(b)(c) | Average BPL(d) | % P2O5 | |||||
Active Mines | ||||||||
Four Corners | 40.9 | 63.0 | 28.8 | |||||
South Fort Meade | 29.9 | 64.0 | 29.3 | |||||
South Pasture | 77.8 | 65.0 | 29.8 | |||||
Wingate | 31.2 | 62.5 | 28.6 | |||||
Total Active Mines | 179.8 | 63.9 | 29.3 | |||||
Planned Mining | ||||||||
Ona | 258.8 | 64.4 | 29.5 | |||||
DeSoto | 149.6 | (e) | 64.6 | 29.5 | ||||
Total Planned Mining | 408.4 | 64.5 | 29.5 | |||||
Total Mining | 588.2 | 64.3 | 29.4 |
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(a) | Reserves are in areas that are fully accessible for mining; free of surface or subsurface encumbrance, legal setbacks, wetland preserves and other legal restrictions that preclude permittable access for mining; believed by us to be permittable; and meet specified minimum physical, economic and chemical criteria related to current mining and production practices. |
(b) | Reserve estimates are generally established by our personnel without a third party review. There has been no third party review of reserve estimates within the last five years. The reserve estimates have been prepared in accordance with the standards set forth in Industry Guide 7 promulgated by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). |
(c) | Of the reserves shown, 556.0 million tonnes are proven reserves, while probable reserves totaled 32.2 million tonnes. |
(d) | Average product BPL ranges from approximately 63% to 65%. |
(e) | In connection with the purchase in 1996 of approximately 108.9 million tonnes of the reported DeSoto reserves, we agreed to (i) pay royalties of between $0.50 and $0.90 per ton of rock mined based on future levels of DAP margins, and (ii) pay to the seller lost income from the loss of surface use to the extent we use the property for mining related purposes before January 1, 2020. |
We generally own the reserves shown for active mines in the table above, with the only significant exceptions being further described below:
• | We own the above-ground assets of the South Fort Meade mine, including the beneficiation plant, rail track and the initial clay settling areas. A limited partnership, South Ft. Meade Partnership, L.P. (“SFMP”), owns the majority of the mineable acres shown in the table for the South Fort Meade mine. |
• | We currently have a 95% economic interest in the profits and losses of SFMP. SFMP is included as a consolidated subsidiary in our financial statements. |
• | We have a long-term mineral lease with SFMP. This lease expires on the earlier of December 31, 2025 or on the date that we have completed mining and reclamation obligations associated with the leased property. Lease provisions include royalty payments and a commitment to give mining priority to the South Fort Meade phosphate reserves. We pay the partnership a royalty on each BPL short ton mined and shipped from the areas that we lease from it. Royalty payments to SFMP normally average approximately $9 million annually. |
• | Through its arrangements with us, SFMP also earns income from mineral lease payments, agricultural lease payments and interest income, and uses those proceeds primarily to pay dividends to its equity owners. |
• | The surface rights to approximately 882 acres for the South Fort Meade Mine are owned by SFMP, while the U.S. government owns the mineral rights beneath. We control the rights to mine these reserves under a mining lease agreement and pay royalties on the tonnage extracted. Under the lease, we did not mine any lands subject to federal leases during 2014. |
In light of the long-term nature of our rights to our reserves, we expect to be able to mine all reported reserves that are not currently owned prior to termination or expiration of our rights. Additional information regarding permitting is included in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors”, and under “Environmental, Health, Safety and Security Matters—Operating Requirements and Impacts—Permitting” in our Management’s Analysis.
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Investments in Joint Ventures
We have a 35% economic interest in a joint venture which owns the Miski Mayo phosphate rock mine in the Bayovar region of Peru. Our investment in the Miski Mayo Mine and related commercial offtake supply agreement to purchase a share of the phosphate rock from the Miski Mayo Mine reduces our need to purchase phosphate rock from other suppliers. The Miski Mayo Mine’s annual production capacity is 3.8 million tonnes.
We own a 25% interest in the Wa’ad Al Shamal Joint Venture and in connection with our equity share, we will market approximately 25% of the production of the joint venture. The Wa’ad Al Shamal Joint Venture is developing a mine and two chemical complexes that are presently expected to produce phosphate fertilizers, animal feed, food grade purified phosphoric acid and other downstream phosphates products in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We currently estimate that the cost to develop and construct the integrated phosphate production facilities (the "Project") will approximate $7.5 billion, which we expect to be funded primarily through investments by us, Ma'aden and SABIC, and through borrowing arrangements and other external project financing facilities ("Funding Facilities"). We currently estimate that our cash investment in the Project, including the amount we have invested to date will approximate $850 million. Our cash investment in the Project through December 31, 2014 was $328.5 million. The greenfield project is being built in the northern region of Saudi Arabia at Wa’ad Al Shamal Minerals Industrial City, and include further expansion of processing plants in Ras Al Khair Minerals Industrial City which is located on the east coast of Saudi Arabia. The facilities are expected to have a production capacity of approximately 3.5 million tonnes of finished product per year. The project is expected to benefit from the availability of key raw nutrients from sources within Saudi Arabia. Operations are expected to commence in late 2016.
On June 30, 2014, the Wa’ad Al Shamal Joint Venture entered into Funding Facilities with a consortium of 20 financial institutions for a total amount of approximately $5.0 billion. The terms of the Funding Facilities are further discussed in Note 9 of our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Purchased Phosphate Rock
We also purchase phosphate rock. The level of our purchases of phosphate rock in the future will depend upon, among other factors, our phosphate rock mining plans, the status of our permits, our need for additional phosphate rock to allow us to operate our concentrates plants at or near full capacity, the quality and level of impurities in the phosphate rock that we mine, and our development or acquisition of additional phosphate rock deposits and mines. Depending on product mix and tonnage requirements, our need for purchased phosphate rock could increase in the future in order to meet product specifications.
Sulfur
We use molten sulfur at our phosphates concentrates plants to produce sulfuric acid primarily for use in our production of phosphoric acid. We purchased approximately 4.0 million long tons of sulfur during 2014, which includes 9 months of purchases related to production at the Plant City facility acquired from CF. We purchase most of this sulfur from North American oil and natural gas refiners who are required to remove or recover sulfur during the refining process. Production of one tonne of DAP requires approximately 0.40 long tons of sulfur. We procure our sulfur from multiple sources and receive it by truck, rail, barge and vessel, either direct to our phosphate plants or have it sent for gathering to terminals that are located on the US gulf coast.
We own and operate sulfur terminals in Houston, Texas and Riverview, Florida. We also lease terminal space in Tampa, Florida and Galveston and Beaumont, Texas. We own two ocean-going barges and contract for operation of another ocean-going vessel that transport molten sulfur from the Texas terminals to Tampa and then onward by truck to our Florida phosphate plants. In addition, we own a 50% equity interest in Gulf Sulphur Services Ltd., LLLP (“Gulf Sulphur Services”), which is operated by our joint venture partner. Gulf Sulphur Services has a large sulfur transportation and terminaling business in the Gulf of Mexico, and handles these functions for a substantial portion of our Florida sulfur volume. Gulf Sulphur Services’ capabilities include melting solid sulfur into the molten form that we use, which permits us to access sources of solid as well as molten sulfur. We further round out our sulfur logistic assets with a large fleet of leased railcars that supplement our marine sulfur logistic system. Our Louisiana operations are served by truck and barge from nearby refineries. Additionally, to further enhance our access to sulfur, a project to construct a sulfur melter at our New Wales facility is scheduled to be completed in late 2015. It is planned to have the capability to melt approximately one million long tons of sulfur annually, allowing us to leverage economic benefits within the global sulfur marketplace.
Although sulfur is readily available from many different suppliers and can be transported to our phosphate facilities by a variety of means, sulfur is an important raw material used in our business that has in the past been and may in the future be the subject of volatile pricing and availability. Alternative transportation and terminaling facilities might not have sufficient capacity to fully serve all of our facilities in the event of a disruption to current transportation or terminaling facilities. Changes
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in the price of sulfur or disruptions to sulfur transportation or terminaling facilities could have a material impact on our business. We have included a discussion of sulfur prices in our Management’s Analysis.
Ammonia
We use ammonia together with phosphoric acid to produce DAP, MAP and MicroEssentials®. We consumed approximately 1.5 million tonnes of ammonia during 2014. This includes approximately 9 months of ammonia consumption at the Plant City facility we acquired as part of the CF Phosphate Assets Acquisition. Production of one tonne of DAP requires approximately 0.23 tonnes of ammonia.
Our Florida ammonia needs are supplied by offshore producers, under multi-year contracts. Ammonia for our New Wales and Riverview plants is terminaled through an owned ammonia facility at Port Sutton, Florida. Ammonia for our Bartow plant is terminaled through another ammonia facility owned and operated by a third party at Port Sutton, Florida pursuant to an agreement that expires in 2015. Ammonia is transported by pipeline from the terminals to our production facilities. We have service agreements with the operators of the pipelines for Bartow, New Wales, and Riverview, which provide service through June 30, 2017; the service agreements may be extended in one year increments unless either party objects. Ammonia for our Plant City facility is terminaled through a facility that was acquired as part of the CF Phosphate Assets Acquisition. This ammonia is transported by rail via leased railcars. The leases for rail cars expire in 2017, 2018 and 2019. Our rail service contract expired on December 31, 2014 and is currently being renegotiated. We are operating under the terms of that agreement.
We produce ammonia at Faustina, Louisiana primarily for our own consumption. Our annual capacity is approximately 500,000 tonnes. From time to time we sell surplus ammonia to unrelated parties.
On October 28, 2013, at the same time we signed the agreement relating to the CF Phosphate Assets Acquisition, we entered into a strategic supply agreement with CF for approximately 545,000 to 725,000 tonnes of ammonia annually (the "CF Ammonia Supply Agreement") for a term of up to fifteen years. We expect that this agreement will commence prior to January 1, 2017. Under a second agreement, we will purchase from CF approximately 270,000 tonnes annually for three years at CFR Tampa market based pricing. In light of these supply arrangements, we decided to forego our proposed ammonia manufacturing plant at our Faustina, Louisiana facility, but we are reviewing debottlenecking our current Faustina ammonia facility.
Although ammonia is readily available from many different suppliers and can be transported to our phosphates facilities by a variety of means, ammonia is an important raw material used in our business that has in the past been and may in the future be the subject of volatile pricing, and alternative transportation and terminaling facilities might not have sufficient capacity to fully serve all of our facilities in the event of a disruption to existing transportation or terminaling facilities. Changes in the price of ammonia or disruptions to ammonia transportation or terminaling could have a material impact on our business. We have included a discussion of ammonia prices in our Management’s Analysis.
Natural Gas
Natural gas is the primary raw material used to manufacture ammonia. At our Faustina facility, ammonia is manufactured on site. The majority of natural gas is purchased through firm delivery contracts based on published index-based prices and is sourced from Texas and Louisiana via pipelines interconnected to the Henry Hub. We use over-the-counter swap and/or option contracts to forward price portions of future gas purchases. The portions of gas purchases not forward priced are purchased at the index based prices or at domestic spot market prices under short-term contracts. On average, we purchase approximately 18 million MMbtu of natural gas per year for use in ammonia production at Faustina.
Because our ammonia requirements for our Florida operations are purchased rather than manufactured on site, we purchase on average approximately two million MMbtu of natural gas per year in Florida only as a thermal fuel for various production processes.
Florida Land Holdings
We are a significant landowner in the State of Florida, which in the future is expected to return to its historical status as one of the fastest areas of population growth in the United States. We own land comprising approximately 287,000 acres held in fee simple title in central Florida, and have the right to mine additional properties which contain phosphate rock reserves. Some of our land holdings are needed to operate our Phosphates business, while a portion of our land assets, such as reclaimed properties, are no longer required for our ongoing operations. As a general matter, more of our reclaimed property becomes available for uses other than for phosphate operations each year. Our real property assets are generally comprised of concentrates plants, port facilities, phosphate mines and other property which we have acquired through our presence in Florida. We are currently taking initial steps as part of a long-term future land use strategy to optimize the value of our land
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assets. For example, we developed Streamsong®, a destination resort and conference center, 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 the two golf courses and clubhouse that were opened in December 2012, the resort and conference center opened in January 2014.
International Production
We have an approximate 62% interest in a joint venture in Paranagua, Brazil, which includes a plant that produces up to 500,000 tonnes per year of single superphosphate (“SSP”) and granulated SSP crop nutrients by mixing sulfuric acid with purchased phosphate rock.
Potash Segment
We are one of the leading potash producers in the world. We mine and process potash in Canada and the United States and sell potash in North America and internationally. The term “potash” applies generally to the common salts of potassium. Muriate of potash (“MOP”) is the primary source of potassium for the crop nutrient industry. Red MOP has traces of iron oxide. The granular and standard grade Red MOP products are well suited for direct fertilizer application and bulk blending. White MOP has a higher percent potassium oxide (“K2O”). White MOP, besides being well suited for the agricultural market, is used in many industrial applications.
Our potash products are marketed worldwide to crop nutrient manufacturers, distributors and retailers and are also used in the manufacture of mixed crop nutrients and, to a lesser extent, in animal feed ingredients. We also sell potash to customers for industrial use. In addition, our potash products are used for de-icing and as a water softener regenerant.
In 2014, we operated three potash mines in Canada, including two shaft mines with a total of three production shafts and one solution mine, as well as two potash mines in the United States, including one shaft mine and one solution mine. We sold the salt operations at our former Hersey, Michigan mine and closed the related potash operations. The sale of the salt operations was completed on July 29, 2014.
We also own related refineries at each of the mines.
The expansion in our Colonsay mine was completed and added an additional 0.6 million tonnes of operational capacity. We continue the expansion of capacity in our Potash segment, with the K3 shafts at our Esterhazy mine which are on track to start producing ore in 2017 and will add an estimated 0.9 million tonnes to our potash operational capacity. In December 2014, our Board approved approximately $1.5 billion in capital expenditures over the next ten years to increase the mining capacity of the K3 shafts and provide for an infrastructure to move rock from K3 to the K1 and K2 mills. This would provide us the flexibility to optimize production at K1, K2 and K3 in order to mitigate risk from current and future brine inflows.
It is possible that the costs of remedial efforts at Esterhazy may further increase in the future and that such an increase could be material, or, in the extreme scenario, that the brine inflows, risk to employees or remediation costs may increase to a level which would cause us to change our mining processes or abandon the mines. See “Key Factors that can Affect Results of Operations and Financial Condition” and “Potash Net Sales and Gross Margin” in our Management’s Analysis and “Our Esterhazy mine has had an inflow of salt saturated brine for more than 25 years” in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in this report, which are incorporated herein by reference, for a discussion of costs, risks and other information relating to the brine inflows.
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The map below shows the location of each of our potash mines.
![](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0001285785/000161803415000005/canadamap01.jpg)
Our current potash annualized operational capacity totals 10.5 million tonnes of product per year and accounts for approximately 13% of world annual capacity and 47% of North American annual capacity. Production during 2014 totaled 8.2 million tonnes. We account for approximately 14% of estimated world annual production and 44% of estimated North American annual production.
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The following table shows, for each of our potash mines, annual capacity as of December 31, 2014 and volume of mined ore, average grade and finished product output for calendar years 2014 and 2013, the Stub Period and fiscal 2013:
(tonnes in millions) | Calendar 2014 | Calendar 2013 | Stub Period | Fiscal 2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Facility | Annualized Proven Peaking Capacity (a)(c)(d) | Annual Operational Capacity (a)(b)(d)(e) | Ore Mined | Grade % K2O(f) | Finished Product(b) | Ore Mined | Grade % K2O(f) | Finished Product(b) | Ore Mined | Grade % K2O(f) | Finished Product | Ore Mined | Grade % K2O(f) | Finished Product | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Canada | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Belle Plaine—MOP | 2.8 | 2.4 | 8.4 | 18.0 | 2.2 | 8.2 | 18.0 | 2.2 | 4.5 | 18.0 | 1.2 | 8.1 | 18.0 | 2.1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Colonsay—MOP | 2.5 | 2.1 | 3.8 | 26.9 | 1.4 | 2.4 | 26.1 | 0.8 | 1.0 | 26.4 | 0.3 | 3.2 | 25.8 | 1.1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Esterhazy—MOP | 6.3 | 5.3 | 12.4 | 23.8 | 4.0 | 12.0 | 23.8 | 4.0 | 6.0 | 24.4 | 2.1 | 12.6 | 23.0 | 4.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Canadian Total | 11.6 | 9.8 | 24.6 | 22.3 | 7.6 | 22.6 | 21.9 | 7.0 | 11.5 | 22.1 | 3.6 | 23.9 | 21.7 | 7.2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
United States | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Carlsbad—MOP | — | — | 2.5 | 9.5 | 0.2 | 3.3 | 10.7 | 0.3 | 1.9 | 10.6 | 0.2 | 3.2 | 10.5 | 0.3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Carlsbad—K-Mag®(g) | 0.9 | 0.7 | 1.7 | 5.5 | 0.4 | 3.7 | 5.9 | 0.7 | 2.0 | 5.9 | 0.4 | 3.7 | 5.7 | 0.7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Carlsbad Total | 0.9 | 0.7 | 4.2 | 7.8 | 0.6 | 7.0 | 8.2 | 1.0 | 3.9 | 8.2 | 0.6 | 6.9 | 7.9 | 1.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Hersey—MOP(h) | — | — | — | — | — | 0.1 | 26.7 | — | 0.1 | 26.7 | — | 0.1 | 26.7 | 0.1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
United States Total | 0.9 | 0.7 | 4.2 | 7.8 | 0.6 | 7.1 | 1.0 | 4.0 | 0.6 | 7.0 | 1.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Totals | 12.5 | 10.5 | 28.8 | 20.2 | 8.2 | 29.7 | 18.7 | 8.0 | 15.5 | 18.5 | 4.2 | 30.9 | 18.6 | 8.3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total excluding toll production(i) | 7.8 |
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(a) | Finished product. |
(b) | Actual production varies from annual operational capacity shown in the above table due to factors that include among others the level of demand for our products, maintenance and turnaround time, the quality of the reserves and the nature of the geologic formations we are mining at any particular time, accidents, mechanical failure, product mix, and other operating conditions. |
(c) | Represents full capacity assuming no turnaround or maintenance time. |
(d) | The annualized proven peaking capacity shown above is the capacity currently used to determine our share of Canpotex sales. Canpotex members’ respective shares of Canpotex sales are based upon the members’ respective proven peaking capacities for producing potash. When a Canpotex member expands its production capacity, the new capacity is added to that member’s proven peaking capacity based on a proving run at the maximum production level. The annual operational capacity reported in the table above can exceed the annualized proven peaking capacity until the proving run has been completed. In December 2013, our Esterhazy mine successfully completed a proving run of its expanded capacity, increasing its proven peaking capacity from 5.3 to 6.3 million tonnes, which increased our share of Canpotex sales from approximately 39.9% to 42.5%, effective January 1, 2014. Subsequently, one of Canpotex's other members demonstrated an increase in its capacity, which resulted in lowering our share of Canpotex sales to 38.8%, effective July 1, 2014. Effective January 1, 2015, our share of Canpotex sales increased to 40.6%, as a result of a proving run of our expansion of our Colonsay mine, which was successfully completed in 2014. |
(e) | Annual operational capacity is our estimated long term potash capacity based on the quality of reserves and the nature of the geologic formations expected to be mined, milled and/or processed over the long term, average amount of scheduled down time and product mix, and no significant modifications to operating conditions, equipment or facilities. Operational capacities will continue to be updated to the extent new production results impact ore grades assumptions. |
(f) | Grade % K2O is a traditional reference to the percentage (by weight) of potassium oxide contained in the ore. A higher percentage corresponds to a higher percentage of potassium oxide in the ore. |
(g) | K-Mag® is a specialty product that we produce at our Carlsbad facility. In 2014, we reduced our annual operational capacity of our K-Mag® due to lower ore grades. |
(h) | During the quarter ended September 30, 2013, we decided to sell the salt operations of the Hersey mine and close the related potash operations. The sale of the salt operations was completed on July 29, 2014. |
(i) | We toll produced MOP, for an unrelated third party, at our Esterhazy mine under a tolling agreement that expired December 31, 2012. Effective December 31, 2012, we received credit for an additional 1.2 million tonnes of capacity at |
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our Esterhazy mine for purposes of calculating our relative share of annual sales of potash to international customers by Canpotex, in connection with expiration of the tolling agreement.
Canadian Mines
We operate three Canadian potash facilities all located in the southern half of the Province of Saskatchewan, including our solution mine at Belle Plaine, two interconnected mine shafts at our Esterhazy shaft mine and our shaft mine at Colonsay.
Extensive potash deposits are found in the southern half of the Province of Saskatchewan. The potash ore is contained in a predominantly rock salt formation known as the Prairie Evaporites. The Prairie Evaporites deposits are bounded by limestone formations and contain the potash beds. Three potash deposits of economic importance occur in Saskatchewan: the Esterhazy, Belle Plaine and Patience Lake members. The Patience Lake member is mined at Colonsay, and the Esterhazy member at Esterhazy. At Belle Plaine all three members are mined. Each of the major potash members contains several potash beds of different thicknesses and grades. The particular beds mined at Colonsay and Esterhazy have a mining height of 11 and 8 feet, respectively. At Belle Plaine several beds of different thicknesses are mined.
Our potash mines in Canada produce MOP exclusively. Esterhazy and Colonsay utilize shaft mining while Belle Plaine utilizes solution mining technology. Traditional potash shaft mining takes place underground at depths of over 1,000 meters where continuous mining machines cut out the ore face and load it onto conveyor belts. The ore is then crushed, moved to storage bins and hoisted to refineries above ground. In contrast, our solution mining process involves heated brine, which is pumped through a “cluster” to dissolve the potash in the ore beds at a depth of approximately 1,500 meters. A cluster consists of a series of boreholes drilled into the potash ore. A separate distribution center at each cluster controls the brine flow. The solution containing dissolved potash and salt is pumped to a refinery where sodium chloride, a co-product of this process, is separated from the potash through the use of evaporation and crystallization techniques. Concurrently, the solution is pumped into a cooling pond where additional crystallization occurs and the resulting product is recovered via a floating dredge. Refined potash is dewatered, dried and sized. Our Canadian operations produce 12 different MOP products, including industrial grades, many through proprietary processes.
Our potash mineral rights in the Province of Saskatchewan consist of the following:
Belle Plaine | Colonsay | Esterhazy | Total | ||||||||
Acres under control | |||||||||||
Owned in fee | 15,236 | 10,845 | 112,982 | 139,063 | |||||||
Leased from Province | 53,132 | 114,133 | 195,226 | 362,491 | |||||||
Leased from others | — | 2,726 | 70,831 | 73,557 | |||||||
Total under control | 68,368 | 127,704 | 379,039 | 575,111 |
We believe that our mineral rights in Saskatchewan are sufficient to support current operations for more than a century. Leases are generally renewable at our option for successive terms, generally 21 years each, except that certain of the acres shown above as “Leased from others” are leased under long-term leases with terms (including renewals at our option) that expire from 2031 to 2162.
We pay Canadian resource taxes consisting of the Potash Production Tax and resource surcharge. The Potash Production Tax is a Saskatchewan provincial tax on potash production and consists of a base payment and a profits tax. We also pay a percentage of the value of resource sales from our Saskatchewan mines. In addition to the Canadian resource taxes, royalties are payable to the mineral owners in respect of potash reserves or production of potash. We have included a further discussion of the Canadian resource taxes and royalties in our Management’s Analysis.
Since December 1985, we have effectively managed an inflow of salt saturated brine into our Esterhazy mine. At various times since then, we have experienced changing amounts and patterns of brine inflows at Esterhazy. To date, the brine inflow, including our remediation efforts to control it, have not had a material impact on our production processes or volumes. The volume of the net brine inflow (the rate of inflow less the amount we are pumping out of the mine) or net outflow (when we are pumping more brine out of the mine than the rate of inflow) fluctuates and is dependent on a number of variables, such as the location of the source of the inflow; the magnitude of the inflow; available pumping, surface and underground brine storage capacities; underground injection well capacities, and the effectiveness of calcium chloride and cementatious grout used to reduce or prevent the inflows, among other factors. As a result of these brine inflows, we incur expenditures, certain of which have been capitalized and others that have been charged to expense, in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
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It is possible that the costs of remedial efforts at Esterhazy may further increase in the future and that such an increase could be material, or, in the extreme scenario, that the brine inflows, risk to employees or remediation costs may increase to a level which would cause us to change our mining processes or abandon the mine. See “Key Factors that can Affect Results of Operations and Financial Condition” and “Potash Net Sales and Gross Margin” in our Management’s Analysis and “Our Esterhazy mine has had an inflow of salt saturated brine for more than 25 years” in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in this report, which are incorporated herein by reference, for a discussion of costs, risks and other information relating to the brine inflows. We have begun construction of the new shafts at our Esterhazy mine as part of our potash expansion plan which is also designed to mitigate risk from current and future inflows.
Due to the ongoing brine inflow at Esterhazy, subject to exceptions that are limited in scope and amount, we are unable to obtain coverage for underground operations for water incursion problems. Like other potash producers’ shaft mines, our Colonsay, Saskatchewan, and Carlsbad, New Mexico, mines are also subject to the risks of inflow of water as a result of their shaft mining operations, but water inflow risks at these mines are included in our insurance coverage subject to deductibles, limited coverage terms and lower sub-limits negotiated with our insurers.
United States Mines
In the United States, we have a shaft mine located in Carlsbad, New Mexico. In 2013, we decided to sell the salt operations of our Hersey mine and close the related potash operations. The sale of the salt operations was completed on July 29, 2014.
The ore reserves at our Carlsbad mine are made up of langbeinite, a double sulfate of potassium and magnesium. This type of potash reserve occurs in a predominantly rock salt formation known as the Salado Formation. The McNutt Member of this formation consists of eleven units of economic importance, of which we currently mine one. The McNutt Member’s evaporite deposits are interlayered with anhydrite, polyhalite, potassium salts, clay, and minor amounts of sandstone and siltstone.
Continuous underground mining methods are utilized to extract the ore. Drum type mining machines are used to cut the langbeinite ore from the face. Mined ore is then loaded onto conveyors, transported to storage areas, and then hoisted to the surface for further processing at our refinery.
During 2014, two types of potash were produced at the Carlsbad refinery. MOP is the primary source of potassium for the crop nutrient industry. Double sulfate of potash magnesia is the second type of potash, which we market under our brand name K-Mag®, and contains sulfur, potassium and magnesium, with low levels of chloride. In July of 2014, we decided to permanently discontinue production of MOP at Carlsbad and effective January 1, 2015, we only produce K-Mag® at that facility.
At the Carlsbad facility, we mine and refine potash from 77,103 acres of mineral rights. We control these reserves pursuant to either (i) leases from the U.S. government that, in general, continue in effect at our option (subject to readjustment by the U.S. government every 20 years) or (ii) leases from the State of New Mexico that continue as long as we continue to produce from them. These reserves contain an estimated total of 110 million tonnes of potash mineralization (calculated after estimated extraction losses) in one mining bed evaluated at thicknesses ranging from 5.5 feet to in excess of 11 feet. At average refinery rates, these ore reserves are estimated to be sufficient to yield 22 million tonnes of langbeinite concentrates with an average grade of approximately 22% K2O. At projected rates of production, we estimate that Carlsbad’s reserves of langbeinite are sufficient to support operations for approximately 22 years.
Royalties for the U.S. operations amounted to approximately $11.0 million in 2014. These royalties are established by the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, in the case of the Carlsbad leases from the U.S. government, and pursuant to provisions set forth in the leases, in the case of the Carlsbad state leases.
Reserves
Our estimates below of our potash reserves and non-reserve potash mineralization are based on exploration drill hole data, seismic data and actual mining results over more than 35 years. Proven reserves are estimated by identifying material in place that is delineated on at least two sides and material in place within a half-mile radius or distance from an existing sampled mine entry or exploration core hole. Probable reserves are estimated by identifying material in place within a one mile radius from an existing sampled mine entry or exploration core hole. Historical extraction ratios from the many years of mining results are then applied to both types of material to estimate the proven and probable reserves. We believe that all reserves and non-reserve potash mineralization reported below are potentially recoverable using existing production shaft and refinery locations.
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Our estimated recoverable potash ore reserves and non-reserve potash mineralization as of December 31, 2014 for each of our mines are as follows:
(tonnes of ore in millions) | Reserves(a)(b) | Potash Mineralization(a)(c) | |||||||
Facility | Recoverable Tonnes | Average Grade (% K2O) | Potentially Recoverable Tonnes | ||||||
Canada | |||||||||
Belle Plaine | 810 | 18.0 | 2,432 | ||||||
Colonsay | 242 | 26.4 | 548 | ||||||
Esterhazy | 872 | 24.5 | 715 | ||||||
sub-totals | 1,924 | 22.0 | 3,695 | ||||||
United States | |||||||||
Carlsbad | 110 | 5.8 | — | ||||||
Totals | 2,034 | 21.1 | 3,695 |
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(a) | There has been no third party review of reserve estimates within the last five years. The reserve estimates have been prepared in accordance with the standards set forth in Industry Guide 7 promulgated by the SEC. |
(b) | Includes 1.1 billion tonnes of proven reserves and 0.9 billion tonnes of probable reserves. |
(c) | The non-reserve potash mineralization reported in the table in some cases extends to the boundaries of the mineral rights we own or lease. Such boundaries are up to 16 miles from the closest existing sampled mine entry or exploration core hole. Based on available geologic data, the non-reserve potash mineralization represents potash that we expect to mine in the future, but it may not meet all of the technical requirements for categorization as proven or probable reserves under Industry Guide 7. |
As discussed more fully above, we either own the reserves and mineralization shown above or lease them pursuant to mineral leases that generally remain in effect or are renewable at our option, or are long-term leases. Accordingly, we expect to be able to mine all reported reserves that are leased prior to termination or expiration of the existing leases.
Natural Gas
Natural gas is used at our Belle Plaine solution mine as a fuel to produce steam and to dry potash products. The steam is used to generate electricity, in evaporation and crystallization processes and to provide thermal heat to the solution mining process. The Belle Plaine solution mine typically accounts for approximately 74% of our Potash segment’s total natural gas requirements for potash production. At our shaft mines, natural gas is used as a fuel to heat fresh air supplied to the shaft mines and for drying potash products. Combined natural gas usage for both the solution and shaft mines approximated 17 million MMbtu during 2014. We purchase our natural gas requirements on firm delivery index price-based physical contracts and on short term spot-priced physical contracts. Our Canadian operations purchase all of their physical gas in Saskatchewan via the TransGas pipeline system using AECO price indices as pricing references. The U.S. potash operation in New Mexico purchases physical gas in the southwest respective regional market using the TransWestern El Paso Permian Basin market pricing reference. We use financial derivative contracts to manage the price of portions of our future purchases.
SALES AND DISTRIBUTION ACTIVITIES
United States and Canada
We have a United States and Canada sales and marketing team that serves our business segments. We sell to wholesale distributors, retail chains, cooperatives, independent retailers and national accounts.
Customer service and the ability to effectively minimize the overall supply chain costs are key competitive factors in the crop nutrient and animal feed ingredients businesses. In addition to our production facilities, to service the needs of our customers, we own, lease or have contractual throughput or other arrangements at strategically located distribution warehouses along or near the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers as well as in other key agricultural regions of the United States and Canada. From these facilities, we market Mosaic produced phosphate and potash products for customers who in turn resell the product into the distribution channel or directly to farmers in the United States and Canada.
We own port facilities in Tampa, Florida and Houston, Texas, which have deep water berth capabilities providing access to the Gulf of Mexico. We also own warehouse distribution facilities in Savage, Minnesota; Pekin, Illinois; and Henderson, Kentucky.
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In addition to the geographically situated facilities that we own, our U.S. distribution operations also include leased distribution space or contractual throughput agreements in other key geographical areas such as California, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas and Wisconsin.
Our Canadian customers include independent dealers and national accounts. We also lease and own warehouse facilities in Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec and Manitoba in Canada.
International
Outside of the United States and Canada, we market our Phosphates segments products through our own international distribution activities as well as a salesforce focused on geographies outside of North America.
Our sales outside of the United States and Canada of Saskatchewan potash products are made through Canpotex. Canpotex sales are allocated among its members based on peaking capacity. We have been notified by Canpotex that effective January 1, 2015, our entitlement increased from approximately 38.8% to 40.6% as a result of a proving run successfully completed at our Colonsay mine. Our potash exports from Carlsbad are sold through our own sales force. We also market our Potash segment’s products through our Phosphates segment international distribution activities, which acquire potash primarily through Canpotex. The countries that account for the largest amount of international potash sales, by volume, are Brazil, China, Indonesia, India and Malaysia.
Our international distribution operations also purchase phosphates, potash and nitrogen products from unrelated third parties, which we either use to produce blended crop nutrients (“Blends”) or for resale.
To service the needs of our customers, our international distribution activities include a network of strategically located sales offices, crop nutrient blending and bagging facilities, port terminals and warehouse distribution facilities that we own and operate in key geographic areas throughout several countries. The blending and bagging facilities primarily produce Blends from phosphate, potash and nitrogen. The average product mix in our Blends (by volume) contains approximately 50% phosphate, 25% potash and 25% nitrogen, although this mix differs based on seasonal and other factors. Our international operations serve primarily as a sales outlet for our North American Phosphates production, both for resale and as an input for Blends. Our Potash segment also has historically furnished the majority of the raw materials needs for the production of Blends, primarily via Canpotex, and is expected to continue to do so in the future.
On December 17, 2014, we completed the acquisition of ADM's fertilizer distribution business in Brazil and Paraguay. The acquisition is expected to increase our distribution capacity in the region from approximately four million tonnes per year to six million tonnes. We also negotiated the terms of five-year fertilizer supply agreements, whereby we supply ADM's fertilizer needs in Brazil and Paraguay.
We completed the sale of our Argentina assets, and plan to close the Chile business and sell the fixed assets related to Chile's distribution business, which we do not expect to significantly affect our sales in Latin America as we plan to continue to sell crop nutrients through other distributors in these regions.
The following maps show the locations of our primary distribution operations in South America and Asia:
![](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0001285785/000161803415000005/southamericamap01.jpg)
![](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0001285785/000161803415000005/asiamapa01.jpg)
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Other Products
With a strong brand position in a multi-billion dollar animal feed ingredients global market, our Phosphates segment supplies animal feed ingredients for poultry and livestock to customers in North America, Latin America and Asia. Our potash sales to non-agricultural users are primarily to large industrial accounts and the animal feed industry. Additionally, we sell potash for de-icing and as a water softener regenerant, as well as fluorosilicic acid for water fluoridation.
COMPETITION
Because crop nutrients are global commodities available from numerous sources, crop nutrition companies compete primarily on the basis of delivered price. Other competitive factors include product quality, cost and availability of raw materials, customer service, plant efficiency and availability of product. As a result, markets for our products are highly competitive. We compete with a broad range of domestic and international producers, including farmer cooperatives, subsidiaries of larger companies, and independent crop nutrient companies. Foreign competitors often have access to cheaper raw materials, are required to comply with less stringent regulatory requirements or are owned or subsidized by governments and, as a result, may have cost advantages over North American companies. We believe that our extensive North American and international production and distribution system provides us with a competitive advantage by allowing us to achieve economies of scale, transportation and storage efficiencies, and obtain market intelligence. Also, we believe our premium products provide us a competitive advantage with customers in North and South America. Our sales of MicroEssentials® have increased steadily over the past few years, reaching 1.5 million tonnes in North America during 2014.
Unlike many of our competitors, we have our own distribution system to sell phosphate- and potash-based crop nutrients and animal feed ingredients, whether produced by us or by other third parties, around the globe. In North America, we have one of the largest and most strategically located distribution systems for crop nutrients, including warehouse facilities in key agricultural regions. We also have an extensive network of distribution facilities internationally, including in the key growth regions of South America and Asia, with port terminals, warehouses, and blending plants in Brazil, Paraguay, China, and India. Our global presence allows us to efficiently serve customers in approximately 40 countries.
Phosphates Segment
Our Phosphates segment operates in a highly competitive global market. Among the competitors in the global phosphate industry are domestic and foreign companies, as well as foreign government-supported producers in Asia and North Africa. Phosphate producers compete primarily based on price and, to a lesser extent, product quality, service and innovation, similar to how we compete with our MicroEssentials® product. Major integrated producers of feed phosphates are located in the United States, Europe and China. Many smaller producers are located in emerging markets around the world. Many of these smaller producers are not miners of phosphate rock or manufacturers of phosphoric acid and are required to purchase this material on the open market.
We believe that we are a low cost integrated producer of phosphate-based crop nutrients, due in part to our scale, vertical integration and strategic network of production and distribution facilities. As the world’s largest producer of concentrated phosphates, as well as the second largest miner of phosphate rock in the world and the largest in the United States, we maintain an advantage over some competitors as the scale of operations effectively reduces production costs per unit. We are also vertically integrated to captively supply one of our key inputs, phosphate rock, to our phosphate production facilities. We believe that our position as an integrated producer of phosphate rock provides us with a significant cost advantage over competitors that are non-integrated phosphate producers. Our investment in the Miski Mayo Mine and related commercial offtake supply agreement to purchase a share of the phosphate rock also allows us to reduce our purchases of phosphate rock from other suppliers. In addition, we expect that the Wa’ad Al Shamal Joint Venture will enable us to not only further diversify our sources of phosphates but also improve our access to key agricultural countries in Asia and the Middle East.
We produce ammonia at our Faustina, Louisiana concentrates plant in quantities sufficient to meet approximately one quarter of our total ammonia needs. With no captive ammonia production in Florida, we are subject to significant volatility in our purchase price of ammonia from world markets. One of the CF Ammonia Supply Agreements is expected to provide us with a long term supply of a substantial volume of ammonia at prices based on the price of natural gas, and is intended to lessen this volatility. With our own sulfur transportation barges and our 50% ownership interest in Gulf Sulphur Services, we are also well-positioned to source an adequate, flexible and cost-effective supply of sulfur, our third key input. We believe that our investments in sulfur transportation assets continue to afford us a competitive advantage compared to other producers in cost and access to sulfur.
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With facilities in both central Florida and Louisiana, we are logistically well positioned to fulfill our needs at very competitive prices. Those multiple production points also afford us the flexibility to optimally balance supply and demand.
We have a strong brand in the countries in which we have international distribution activities. In addition to having access to our own production, our international distribution activities have the capability to supply a wide variety of crop nutrients to our dealer/farmer customer base. Our strategic positions in Brazil, Paraguay, China and India allow us to capitalize on the growth in nutrient demand in these large and growing international regions.
Potash Segment
Potash is a commodity available from several geographical regions around the world and, consequently, the market is highly competitive. Through our participation in Canpotex, we compete outside of North America against various independent and state-owned potash producers. Canpotex has substantial expertise and logistical resources for the international distribution of potash including strategically located export assets in Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, British Columbia. Our principal methods of competition with respect to the sale of potash include product pricing, and offering consistent, high-quality products and superior service. We believe that our potash cost structure is competitive in the industry and should improve as we achieve the expected increases in production from our potash expansion projects.
FACTORS AFFECTING DEMAND
Our results of operations historically have reflected the effects of several external factors which are beyond our control and have in the past produced significant downward and upward swings in operating results. Revenues are highly dependent upon conditions in the agriculture industry and can be affected by, among other factors: crop conditions; changes in agricultural production practices; worldwide economic conditions, including the increasing world population, household incomes, and demand for more protein rich food, particularly in developing regions such as China, India, and Latin America; changing demand for biofuels; variability in commodity pricing; governmental policies; the level of inventories in the crop nutrient distribution channels; customer expectations about farmer economics, future crop nutrient prices and availability, and transportation costs, among other matters; market trends in raw material costs; market prices for crop nutrients; and weather. Furthermore, our crop nutrients business is seasonal to the extent farmers and agricultural enterprises in the markets in which we compete purchase more crop nutrient products during the spring and fall. The international scope of our business, spanning the northern and southern hemispheres, reduces to some extent the seasonal impact on our business. The degree of seasonality of our business can change significantly from year to year due to conditions in the agricultural industry and other factors. The seasonal nature of our businesses requires significant working capital for inventory in advance of the planting seasons.
We sell products throughout the world. Unfavorable changes in trade protection laws, policies and measures, government policies and other regulatory requirements affecting trade; unexpected changes in tax and trade treaties; strengthening or weakening of foreign economies as well as political relations with the United States may cause sales trends to customers in one or more foreign countries to differ from sales trends in the United States.
Our international operations are subject to risks from changes in foreign currencies, or government policy, which can affect local farmer economics.
OTHER MATTERS
Employees
We had approximately 9,100 employees as of December 31, 2014, consisting of approximately 3,800 salaried and 5,300 hourly employees.
Labor Relations
As of December 31, 2014:
• | We had ten collective bargaining agreements with unions covering 93% of our hourly employees in the U.S. and Canada. Of these employees, approximately 33% are covered under collective bargaining agreements scheduled to expire in 2015. |
• | Agreements with eleven unions covered all employees in Brazil, representing 81% of our international employees. More than one agreement may govern our relations with each of these unions. In general, the agreements are renewable on an annual basis. |
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Failure to renew any of our union agreements could result in a strike or labor stoppage that could have a material adverse effect on our operations. However, we have not experienced significant work stoppage in many years and historically have had good labor relations.
Financial Information about our Business Segments and Operations by Geographic Areas
We have included financial information about our business segments, our operations by geographic area and our revenues by class of similar products in Note 24 of our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Information Available on our Website
Our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments thereto, filed with the SEC pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder are made available free of charge on our website, (www.mosaicco.com), as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC. The information contained on our website is not being incorporated in this report.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Information regarding our executive officers as of February 17, 2015 is set forth below:
Name | Age | Position | |||
Anthony T. Brausen | 55 | Senior Vice President—Finance and Chief Accounting Officer | |||
Gary “Bo” N. Davis | 62 | Senior Vice President—Phosphates Operations | |||
Mark J. Isaacson | 52 | Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary | |||
Mark E. Kaplan | 47 | Senior Vice President—Public Affairs | |||
Richard L. Mack | 47 | Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer | |||
Richard N. McLellan | 58 | Senior Vice President—Commercial | |||
James “Joc” C. O’Rourke | 54 | Executive Vice President—Operations and Chief Operating Officer | |||
Walter F. Precourt III | 50 | Senior Vice President—Potash Operations | |||
James T. Prokopanko | 61 | Chief Executive Officer, President and Director | |||
Corrine D. Ricard | 51 | Senior Vice President—Human Resources |
Anthony T. Brausen. Mr. Brausen was elected Senior Vice President—Finance and Chief Accounting Officer of Mosaic in December 2011. His responsibilities include global Accounting, Financial Planning, Treasury, Tax, Risk Advisory & Assurance and Information Technology. Previously, Mr. Brausen served as Vice President—Finance and Chief Accounting Officer since April 2006. Prior to joining Mosaic as an employee in February 2006, Mr. Brausen had been Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Tennant Company, a designer, manufacturer and marketer of floor maintenance and outdoor cleaning equipment, chemical-free cleaning technologies, specialty surface coatings and related products, since March 2000. From 1989-2000, Mr. Brausen held several financial management positions, including Vice President and Treasurer, Assistant Controller and Director of Investor Relations, with International Multifoods Corporation, a diversified publicly-traded food processor and distributor. From 1981-1989, Mr. Brausen held various positions with KPMG LLP.
Gary “Bo” N. Davis. Mr. Davis was elected Senior Vice President—Phosphate Operations of Mosaic in July 2011. Previously, Mr. Davis served as Vice President—Phosphate Operations of Mosaic since June 2010, as Vice-President—Phosphate Operations for all of Mosaic’s Florida and Louisiana operations since 2007 and Vice President of Mining since Mosaic’s formation in 2004. Prior to the Combination, Mr. Davis held several positions at Cargill, including Vice President, Operations for the fertilizer division from 1999 to 2004. Mr. Davis has worked in the crop nutrient industry for over 30 years.
Mark J. Isaacson. Mr. Isaacson was elected to Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary in August 2014. Mr. Isaacson joined Mosaic upon its formation in 2004 as its Chief Phosphates Counsel before being promoted to Vice President, Associate General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer in 2011 and to Vice President, Acting General Counsel and Corporate Secretary in June 2014. Prior to joining Mosaic, Mr. Isaacson worked for 15 years at Cargill, Inc., where he served as Senior Attorney for a number of its business units.
Mark E. Kaplan. Mr. Kaplan was elected Senior Vice President—Public Affairs in May 2014. Mr. Kaplan also provides executive oversight for Mosaic's land development and permitting organization. Previously, he served us as Vice President—Public Affairs since August 2011. Mr. Kaplan joined Mosaic in January 2007 as Vice President – Planning and Government Affairs of our subsidiary Mosaic Fertilizer, LLC to lead its government affairs function in Florida. In May 2010, Mr. Kaplan
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became Vice President – Public Affairs and Policy for Mosaic’s Phosphates business segment, leading its overall public affairs function. Prior to joining Mosaic, Mr. Kaplan served as chief of staff for former Florida Governor Jeb Bush. He also held roles as president and general counsel of Carlisle Development Group LLC, executive director of the Florida Housing Finance Corporation and a shareholder in the law firm Katz, Kutter, Haigler, Alderman, Bryant & Yon, P.A.
Richard L. Mack. Mr. Mack was elected Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in May 2014. He previously served us as Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary since January 1, 2009 and before that as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary since our formation in 2004. Mr. Mack was a founding executive responsible for our formation in the 2004 business combination between IMC Global and Cargill Crop Nutrition and was a core member of the executive team responsible for our subsequent successful spin-off from Cargill. Since that time he has played key roles in negotiating and executing strategic transactions; led our successful resolution of a number critical legal disputes; led the development of our land use strategy, including the development of Streamsong Resort; and led the development and implementation of our phosphate rock mine permitting strategy in Florida. Prior to our formation, Mr. Mack was a Senior Attorney in Cargill’s worldwide law department and a co-founder of Cargill’s venture capital business unit. Mr. Mack holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Minnesota State University-Moorhead, a Juris Doctor from Hamline University School of Law and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.
Richard N. McLellan. Mr. McLellan was elected as Senior Vice President—Commercial in April 2007. Previously, Mr. McLellan had served us as our Vice President—North American Sales since December 2005 and as Country Manager for our (and, prior to the Combination, Cargill’s) Brazilian crop nutrient business since November, 2002. Mr. McLellan joined Cargill in 1989 and held various roles in its Canadian and U.S. operations, including grain, retail and wholesale crop nutrient distribution.
James “Joc” C. O’Rourke. Mr. O’Rourke was promoted to Executive Vice President—Operations and Chief Operating Officer in August 2012. Previously, Mr. O’Rourke served as Executive Vice President—Operations since January 2009. Prior to joining Mosaic, Mr. O’Rourke was President, Australia Pacific for Barrick Gold Corporation, the largest gold producer in Australia, since May 2006, where he was responsible for the Australia Pacific Business Unit consisting of ten gold and copper mines in Australia and Papua New Guinea. Before that, Mr. O’Rourke was Executive General Manager in Australia and Managing Director of Placer Dome Asia Pacific Ltd., the second largest gold producer in Australia, from December 2004, where he was responsible for the Australia Business Unit consisting of five gold and copper mines; and General Manager of Western Australia Operations for Iluka Resources Ltd., the world’s largest zircon and second largest titanium producer, from September 2003, where he was responsible for six mining and concentrating operations and two mineral separation/synthetic rutile refineries. Mr. O’Rourke had previously held various management, engineering and other roles in the mining industry in Canada and Australia since 1984.
Walter F. Precourt III. Mr. Precourt was promoted to Senior Vice President—Potash Operations in May 2012. Previously, Mr. Precourt led Mosaic's Environment, Health and Safety organization since joining Mosaic in 2009. Prior to joining Mosaic, Mr. Precourt joined cement and mineral component producer Holcim (U.S.) to lead its safety transformation, later becoming Holcim's Vice President of Environment and Government Affairs. Mr. Precourt started his career at The Dow Chemical Company where he served in a variety of roles in Operations, Technology, Capital Project Management, and Environmental, Health and Safety. Mr. Precourt serves as Chairman of the Board of the Saskatchewan Potash Producers Association and is a Director of the Canadian Fertilizer Institute.
James T. Prokopanko. Mr. Prokopanko became our President and Chief Executive Officer on January 1, 2007. Until joining us as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer on July 31, 2006, Mr. Prokopanko was a Corporate Vice President of Cargill since 2004. He was Cargill’s Corporate Vice President with executive responsibility for procurement from 2002 to 2006 and a platform leader responsible for Cargill’s Ag Producer Services Platform from 1999 to July 2006. After joining Cargill in 1978, Mr. Prokopanko served in a wide range of leadership positions, including being named Vice President of North American crop inputs business in 1995. During his Cargill career, Mr. Prokopanko was engaged in retail agriculture businesses in the United States, Canada, Brazil, Argentina and the United Kingdom. Mr. Prokopanko resigned from all of his then current positions with Cargill and its subsidiaries (other than Mosaic) in connection with his election as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Mosaic. Mr. Prokopanko has served as a director of Mosaic since October 2004 and served as a member of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee and the Environmental, Health and Safety Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors since his election to the Board through July 31, 2006.
Corrine D. Ricard. Ms. Ricard was named Senior Vice President—Human Resources in April 2012. Ms. Ricard has held various leadership positions at Mosaic since its formation, including Vice President—International Distribution, Vice President—Business Development and Vice President—Supply Chain. Prior to Mosaic’s formation, Ms. Ricard worked for Cargill in various roles including risk management, supply chain and commodity trading.
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Our executive officers are generally elected to serve until their respective successors are elected and qualified or until their earlier death, resignation or removal. No “family relationships,” as that term is defined in Item 401(d) of Regulation S-K, exist among any of the listed officers.
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
Our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected by any of the risks and uncertainties described below.
Our Esterhazy mine has had an inflow of salt saturated brine for more than 25 years.
Since December 1985, we have had inflows of salt saturated brine into our Esterhazy, Saskatchewan mine. Over the past century, several potash mines experiencing water inflow problems have flooded. In order to control brine inflows at Esterhazy, we have incurred, and will continue to incur, expenditures, certain of which, due to their nature, have been capitalized, while others have been charged to expense.
At various times, we experience changing amounts and patterns of brine inflows at the Esterhazy mine. Periodically, some of these inflows have exceeded available pumping capacity. If that were to continue for several months without abatement, it could exceed our available storage capacity and ability to effectively manage the brine inflow. This could adversely affect production at the Esterhazy mine. See “Key Factors that can Affect Results of Operations and Financial Condition” and “Potash Net Sales and Gross Margin” in our Management’s Analysis for a discussion of costs and other information relating to the brine inflows. The brine inflow is variable, resulting in both net inflows (the rate of inflow is more than the amount we are pumping out of the mine) and net outflows (when we are pumping more brine out of the mine than the rate of inflow). There can be no assurance that:
• | our pumping, surface storage, underground storage or injection well capacities for brine will continue to be sufficient, or that the pumping, grouting and other measures that we use to manage the inflows at the Esterhazy mine will continue to be effective; |
• | there will not be a disruption in the supply of calcium chloride, which is a primary material used to reduce or prevent the flow of incoming brine; |
• | our estimates of the volumes of net inflows or net outflows of brine, or storage capacity for brine at the Esterhazy mine, are accurate; |
• | the volumes of the brine inflows will not fluctuate from time to time, the rate of the brine inflows will not be greater than our prior experience or current assumptions, changes in inflow patterns will not adversely affect our ability to locate and manage the inflows, or that any such fluctuations, increases or changes would not be material; and |
• | the expenditures to control the inflows will be consistent with our prior experience or future estimates. |
From time to time, new or improved technology becomes available to facilitate our remediation of the inflows, such as horizontal drilling techniques. Taking advantage of these new or improved technologies may require significant capital expenditures and/or may increase our costs of remediation.
It is possible that the costs of remedial efforts at Esterhazy may further increase in the future and that such an increase could be material, or, in the extreme scenario, that the brine inflows, risk to employees or remediation costs may increase to a level which would cause us to change our mining processes or abandon the mines. See “Key Factors that can Affect Results of Operations and Financial Condition” and “Potash Net Sales and Gross Margin” in our Management’s Analysis, which is incorporated herein by reference, for a discussion of costs, risks and other information relating to the brine inflows.
Due to the ongoing brine inflow at Esterhazy, subject to exceptions that are limited in scope and amount, we are unable to obtain coverage for underground operations for water incursion problems. Our mines at Colonsay, Saskatchewan, and Carlsbad, New Mexico, are also subject to the risks of inflow of water as a result of our shaft mining operations.
Our operating results are highly dependent upon and fluctuate based upon business and economic conditions and governmental policies affecting the agricultural industry where we or our customers operate. These factors are outside of our control and may significantly affect our profitability.
Our operating results are highly dependent upon business and economic conditions and governmental policies affecting the agricultural industry, which we cannot control. The agricultural products business can be affected by a number of factors. The most important of these factors, for U.S. markets, are:
• | weather patterns and field conditions (particularly during periods of traditionally high crop nutrients consumption); |
• | quantities of crop nutrients imported to and exported from North America; |
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• | current and projected grain inventories and prices, which are heavily influenced by U.S. exports and world-wide grain markets; and |
• | U.S. governmental policies, including farm and biofuel policies, which may directly or indirectly influence the number of acres planted, the level of grain inventories, the mix of crops planted or crop prices. |
International market conditions, which are also outside of our control, may also significantly influence our operating results. The international market for crop nutrients is influenced by such factors as the relative value of the U.S. dollar and its impact upon the cost of importing crop nutrients, foreign agricultural policies, including subsidy policies, the existence of, or changes in, import or foreign currency exchange barriers in certain foreign markets, changes in the hard currency demands of certain countries and other regulatory policies of foreign governments, as well as the laws and policies of the United States affecting foreign trade and investment.
Our most important products are global commodities, and we face intense global competition from other crop nutrient producers that can affect our prices and volumes.
Our most important products are concentrated phosphate crop nutrients, including diammonium phosphate, or DAP, monoammonium phosphate, or MAP, MicroEssentials® and muriate of potash, or MOP. We sell most of our DAP, MAP and MOP in the form of global commodities. Our sales of these products face intense global competition from other crop nutrient producers.
Changes in competitors’ production or shifts in their marketing focus have in the past significantly affected both the prices at which we sell our products and the volumes that we sell, and are likely to continue to do so in the future.
Competitors are more likely to increase their production at times when world agricultural and crop nutrient markets are strong, and to focus on sales into regions where their returns are highest. Increases in the global supply of DAP, MAP and MOP or competitors’ increased sales into regions in which we have significant sales could adversely affect our prices and volumes.
Competitors and potential new entrants in the markets for both concentrated phosphate crop nutrients and potash have in recent years expanded capacity, or begun, or announced plans, to expand capacity or build new facilities. The extent to which current global or local economic and financial conditions, changes in global or local economic and financial conditions, or other factors may cause delays or cancellation of some of these ongoing or planned projects, or result in the acceleration of existing or new projects, is unclear. In addition, the level of exports by producers of concentrated phosphate crop nutrients in China depends to a significant extent on Chinese government actions to curb exports through, among other measures, prohibitive export taxes at times when the government believes it desirable to assure ample domestic supplies of concentrated phosphate crop nutrients to stimulate grain and oilseed production.
In addition, some of our competitors who are expanding their potash production capacity include other members of Canpotex. Canpotex members’ respective shares of Canpotex sales is based upon the members’ respective proven peaking capacity for producing potash. When a Canpotex member expands its production capacity, the new capacity is added to that member’s proven peaking capacity based on a proving run at the maximum production level. Antitrust and competition laws prohibit the members of Canpotex from coordinating their production decisions, including the timing of their respective proving runs. Worldwide potash production levels during these proving runs could exceed then-current market demand, resulting in an oversupply of potash and lower potash prices.
We cannot accurately predict when or whether competitors’ or new entrants’ ongoing or planned capacity expansions or new facilities will be completed, the timing of competitors’ tests to prove peaking capacity for Canpotex purposes, the cumulative effect of these and recently completed expansions, the impact of future decisions by the Chinese government on the level of Chinese exports of concentrated phosphate crop nutrients, or the effects of these or other actions by our competitors on the prices for our products or the volumes that we will be able to sell.
Our crop nutrients and other products are subject to price and demand volatility resulting from periodic imbalances of supply and demand, which may cause our results of operations to fluctuate.
Historically, the market for crop nutrients has been cyclical, and prices and demand for our products have fluctuated to a significant extent, particularly for phosphates and, to a lesser extent, potash. Periods of high demand, increasing profits and high capacity utilization tend to lead to new plant investment and increased production. This growth increases supply until the market is over-saturated, leading to declining prices and declining capacity utilization until the cycle repeats.
As a result, crop nutrient prices and volumes have been volatile. This price and volume volatility may cause our results of operations to fluctuate and potentially deteriorate. The price at which we sell our crop nutrient products and our sales volumes could fall in the event of industry oversupply conditions, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial
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condition and results of operations. In contrast, high prices may lead our customers and farmers to delay purchasing decisions in anticipation of future lower prices, thus impacting our sales volumes.
Due to reduced market demand, depressed agricultural economic conditions and other factors, we and our predecessors have at various times suspended or reduced production at some of our facilities. The extent to which we utilize available capacity at our facilities will cause fluctuations in our results of operations, as we will incur costs for any temporary or indefinite shutdowns of our facilities and lower sales tend to lead to higher fixed costs as a percentage of sales.
Variations in crop nutrient application rates may exacerbate the cyclicality of the crop nutrient markets.
Farmers are able to maximize their economic return by applying optimum amounts of crop nutrients. Farmers’ decisions about the application rate for each crop nutrient, or to forego application of a crop nutrient, particularly phosphate and potash, vary from year to year depending on a number of factors, including among others, crop prices, crop nutrient and other crop input costs or the level of the crop nutrient remaining in the soil following the previous harvest. Farmers are more likely to increase application rates when crop prices are relatively high, crop nutrient and other crop input costs are relatively low and the level of the crop nutrient remaining in the soil is relatively low. Conversely, farmers are likely to reduce or forego application when farm economics are weak or declining or the level of the crop nutrients remaining in the soil is relatively high. This variability in application rates can materially accentuate the cyclicality in prices for our products and our sales volumes.
Our crop nutrient business is seasonal, which may result in carrying significant amounts of inventory and seasonal variations in working capital, and our inability to predict future seasonal crop nutrient demand accurately may result in excess inventory or product shortages.
The crop nutrient business is seasonal. Farmers tend to apply crop nutrients during two short application periods, the strongest one in the Spring before planting and the other in the Fall after harvest. As a result, the strongest demand for our products typically occurs during the Spring planting season, with a second period of strong demand following the Fall harvest. In contrast, we and other crop nutrient producers generally produce our products throughout the year. As a result, we and/or our customers generally build inventories during the low demand periods of the year in order to ensure timely product availability during the peak sales seasons. The seasonality of crop nutrient demand results in our sales volumes and net sales typically being the highest during the North American Spring season and our working capital requirements typically being the highest just prior to the start of the Spring season. Our quarterly financial results can vary significantly from one year to the next due to weather-related shifts in planting schedules and purchasing patterns.
If seasonal demand exceeds our projections, we will not have enough product and our customers may acquire products from our competitors, which would negatively impact our profitability. If seasonal demand is less than we expect, we will be left with excess inventory and higher working capital and liquidity requirements. The degree of seasonality of our business can change significantly from year to year due to conditions in the agricultural industry and other factors.
The distribution channels for crop nutrients have capacity to build significant levels of inventories, which can adversely affect our sales volumes and selling prices.
In order to balance the production needs of crop nutrient producers with farmers’ seasonal use of crop nutrients, crop nutrient distribution channels need to have the capacity to build significant inventories. The build-up of inventories in the distribution channels can become excessive, particularly during the cyclical periods of low demand that have been typical in the crop nutrient industry. When there are excessive inventories in the distribution channel, our sales volumes and selling prices can be adversely impacted, even during periods in which farmers’ use of crop nutrients may remain strong.
Changes in transportation costs can affect our sales volumes and selling prices.
The cost of delivery is a significant factor in the total cost to customers and farmers of crop nutrients. As a result, changes in transportation costs or in customer expectations about them can affect our sales volumes and prices.
Customer expectations about future events can have a significant effect on the demand for our products. These expectations can significantly affect our sales volumes and selling prices.
Customer expectations about future events have had and are expected to continue to have an effect on the demand and prices for crop nutrients. Future events that may be affected by customer expectations include, among others:
• | Customer expectations about future crop nutrient prices and availability. |
Customer expectations about selling prices and availability of crop nutrients have had and are expected to continue to have an effect on the demand for crop nutrients. When customers anticipate increasing crop nutrient selling prices,
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customers tend to accumulate inventories before the anticipated price increases. This can result in a lag in our realization of rising market prices for our products. Conversely, customers tend to delay their purchases when they anticipate future selling prices for crop nutrients will stabilize or decrease, adversely affecting our sales volumes and selling prices. Customer expectations about availability of crop nutrients can have similar effects on sales volumes and prices.
• | Customer expectations about future farmer economics. |
Similarly, customer expectations about future farmer economics have had and are expected to continue to have an effect on the demand for crop nutrients. When customers anticipate improving farmer economics, customers tend to accumulate crop nutrient inventories in anticipation of increasing sales volumes and selling prices. This can result in a lag in our realization of rising market prices for our products. Conversely, when customers anticipate declining farmer economics, customers tend to reduce the level of their purchases of crop nutrients, adversely affecting our sales volumes and selling prices.
• | Changes in customer expectations about transportation costs. |
As discussed above, increasing transportation costs effectively increase customers’ and farmers’ costs for crop nutrients and can reduce the amount we realize for our sales. Expectations of decreasing transportation costs can result in customers and farmers anticipating that they may be able to decrease their costs by delaying purchases. As a result, changes in customer expectations about transportation costs can affect our sales volumes and prices.
We conduct our operations primarily through a limited number of key production and distribution facilities. Any disruption at one of these facilities could have a material adverse impact on our business. The risk of material disruption increases when demand for our products results in high operating rates at our facilities.
We conduct our operations through a limited number of key production and distribution facilities. These facilities include our phosphate mines and concentrates plants; our potash mines; and the ports and other distribution facilities through which we, and the export associations and joint ventures in which we participate, conduct our respective businesses, as well as other commercial arrangements with unrelated third parties. Any disruption of operations at one of these facilities has the possibility of significantly affecting our production or our ability to distribute our products. Operating these facilities at high rates during periods of high demand for our products increases the risk of mechanical or structural failures, decreases the time available for routine maintenance and increases the impact on our operating results from any disruption. A disruption of operations at one of our key facilities could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.
Examples of the types of events that could result in a disruption at one of these facilities include: adverse weather; strikes or other work stoppages; deliberate, malicious acts, including acts of terrorism; political and economic instability; cyber attacks and other risks associated with our international operations; changes in permitting, financial assurance or other environmental, health and safety laws or other changes in the regulatory environment in which we operate; legal and regulatory proceedings; our relationships with other members of an export association and joint ventures in which we participate and their or our exit from participation in such export association or joint ventures; other changes in our commercial arrangements with unrelated third parties; brine inflows at our Esterhazy, Saskatchewan, mine or our other shaft mines; other accidents occurring in the course of operating activities; and other factors.
Insurance market conditions, our loss experience and other factors affect the insurance coverage that we carry, and we are not fully insured against all potential hazards and risks incident to our business. As a result, our insurance coverage may not adequately cover our losses.
We maintain property, business interruption and casualty insurance policies, but we are not fully insured against all potential hazards and risks incident to our business. We are subject to various self-retentions and deductibles under these insurance policies. As a result of market conditions, our loss experience and other factors, our premiums, self-retentions and deductibles for insurance policies can increase substantially and, in some instances, certain insurance may become unavailable or available only for reduced amounts of coverage. In addition, significantly increased costs could lead us to decide to reduce, or possibly eliminate, coverage. As a result, a disruption of operations at one of our key facilities or a significant casualty could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.
Important raw materials and energy used in our businesses in the past have been and may in the future be the subject of volatile pricing. Changes in the price of our raw materials could have a material impact on our businesses.
Natural gas, ammonia and sulfur are key raw materials used in the manufacture of phosphate crop nutrient products. Natural gas is used as both a chemical feedstock and a fuel to produce anhydrous ammonia, which is a raw material used in the
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production of concentrated phosphate products. Natural gas is also a significant energy source used in the potash solution mining process. From time to time, our profitability has been and may in the future be impacted by the price and availability of these raw materials and other energy costs. Because most of our products are commodities, there can be no assurance that we will be able to pass through increased costs to our customers. A significant increase in the price of natural gas, ammonia, sulfur or energy costs that is not recovered through an increase in the price of our related crop nutrients products could have a material adverse impact on our business.
During periods when the price for concentrated phosphates is falling because of falling raw material prices, we may experience a lag in realizing the benefits of the falling raw materials prices. This lag can adversely affect our gross margins and profitability.
During some periods, changes in market prices for raw materials can lead to changes in the global market prices for concentrated phosphate crop nutrients. In particular, the global market prices for concentrated phosphate crop nutrients can be affected by changes in the market prices for sulfur, ammonia, phosphate rock and/or phosphoric acid raw materials. Increasing market prices for these raw materials tend to put upward pressure on the selling prices for concentrated phosphate crop nutrients, and decreasing market prices for these raw materials tend to put downward pressure on selling prices for concentrated phosphate crop nutrients. When the market prices for these raw materials plunge rapidly, the selling prices for our concentrated phosphate crop nutrients can fall more rapidly than we are able to consume our raw material inventory that we purchased or committed to purchase in the past at higher prices. As a result, our costs may not fall as rapidly as the selling prices of our products. Until we are able to consume the higher priced raw materials, our gross margins and profitability can be adversely affected.
During periods when the prices for our products are falling because of falling raw material prices, we could be required to write-down the value of our inventories. Any such write-down would adversely affect our results of operations and the level of our assets.
We carry our inventories at the lower of cost or market. In periods when the market prices for our products are falling rapidly in response to falling market prices for raw materials, it is possible that we could be required to write-down the value of our inventories if market prices fall below our costs. Any such write-down would adversely affect our results of operations and the level of our assets. Any such effect could be material.
Our estimates of future selling prices reflect in part the purchase commitments we have from our customers. As a result, defaults on these existing purchase commitments because of the global or local economic and financial conditions or for other reasons could adversely affect our estimates of future selling prices and require additional inventory write-downs.
In the event of a disruption to existing terminaling facilities or transportation for our products or raw materials, alternative terminaling facilities or transportation might not be available on a timely basis or have sufficient capacity to fully serve all of our customers or facilities.
In the event of a disruption of existing terminaling facilities or transportation for our products or raw materials, alternative terminaling facilities or transportation might not be available on a timely basis or have sufficient capacity to fully serve all of our customers or facilities.
Terminaling facilities and transportation include the ports and other distribution facilities through which we, and the export associations and joint ventures in which we participate, conduct our respective businesses; transportation and related equipment arrangements; and other commercial arrangements with unrelated third parties.
Examples of the types of events that could result in a disruption of terminaling facilities or transportation include: adverse weather; strikes or other work stoppages; deliberate, malicious acts; political and economic instability and other risks associated with our international operations; changes in permitting, financial assurance or other environmental, health and safety laws or other changes in the regulatory environment in which we operate; legal and regulatory proceedings; our relationships with other members of export associations and joint ventures in which we participate and their or our exit from participation in such export associations and joint ventures; other changes in our commercial arrangements with unrelated third parties; accidents occurring in the course of operating activities; lack of truck, rail, barge or ship transportation; and other factors. We discuss a number of these examples in more detail throughout this Risk Factors section.
We are subject to risks associated with our international sales and operations, which could negatively affect our sales to customers in foreign countries as well as our operations and assets in foreign countries. Some of these factors may also make it less attractive to distribute cash generated by our operations outside the United States to our stockholders, or to utilize cash generated by our operations in one country to fund our operations or repayments of indebtedness in another country or to support other corporate purposes.
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For 2014, we derived approximately 58% of our net sales from customers located outside of the United States. As a result, we are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties relating to international sales and operations, including:
• | difficulties and costs associated with complying with a wide variety of complex laws, treaties and regulations; |
• | unexpected changes in regulatory environments; |
• | increased government ownership and regulation of the economy in the countries we serve; |
• | political and economic instability, including the possibility for civil unrest, inflation and adverse economic conditions resulting from governmental attempts to reduce inflation, such as imposition of higher interest rates and wage and price controls; |
• | nationalization of properties by foreign governments; |
• | the imposition of tariffs, exchange controls, trade barriers or other restrictions; and |
• | currency exchange rate fluctuations between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies, particularly the Brazilian real and the Canadian dollar. |
The occurrence of any of the above in the countries in which we operate or elsewhere could jeopardize or limit our ability to transact business there and could adversely affect our revenues and operating results and the value of our assets located outside of the United States.
In addition, tax regulations, currency exchange controls and other restrictions may also make it economically unattractive to:
• | distribute cash generated by our operations outside the United States to our stockholders; or |
• | utilize cash generated by our operations in one country to fund our operations or repayments of indebtedness in another country or to support other corporate purposes. |
Changes in tax laws or regulations or their interpretation, or exposure to additional tax liabilities, could materially adversely affect our operating results and financial condition.
We are subject to taxes, including income taxes, resource taxes and royalties, and other non-income based taxes in the U.S., Canada, China, Brazil and other countries where we operate. Changes in tax laws or regulations or their interpretation could result in higher taxes, which could materially adversely affect our operating results and financial condition.
Our international assets are located in countries with volatile conditions, which could subject us and our assets to significant risks.
We are a global business with substantial assets located outside of the United States and Canada. Our operations in Brazil, China and India are a fundamental part of our business. We also have joint venture investments in the Miski Mayo mine in Peru that supplies phosphate rock to us, and the Wa’ad Al Shamal Joint Venture that is developing a mine and chemical complexes that we presently expect would produce phosphate fertilizers, animal feed, feed grade purified phosphoric acid and sodium tripolyphosphate in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Volatile economic, political and market conditions in these and other emerging market countries may have a negative impact on our operations, operating results and financial condition.
Natural resource extraction is an important part of the economy in Peru, and, in the past, there have been protests against other natural resource operations in Peru. As of the date of this report, there remain numerous social conflicts that exist within the natural resource sector in Peru and as a result there is potential for active protests against natural resource companies. If the Government of Peru’s proactive efforts to address the social and environmental issues surrounding natural resource activities were not successful, protests could extend to or impact the Miski Mayo mine and adversely affect our investment in the Miski Mayo joint venture or the supply of phosphate rock to us from the mine.
Adverse weather conditions, including the impact of potential hurricanes, and excess heat, cold, snow, rainfall and drought, have in the past, and may in the future, adversely affect our operations, particularly our Phosphates business, and result in increased costs, decreased production and potential liabilities.
Adverse weather conditions, including the impact of potential hurricanes and excess heat, cold, snow, rainfall and drought, have in the past and may in the future adversely affect our operations, particularly our Phosphates business. In the past, hurricanes have resulted in minor physical damage to our facilities in Florida and Louisiana. In addition, a release of phosphoric acid process wastewater at our Riverview, Florida facility during a hurricane resulted in a small civil fine, settlement for an immaterial amount of claims for natural resource damages by governmental agencies and an ongoing private lawsuit.
Additionally, water treatment costs, particularly at our Florida operations, due to high water balances tend to increase significantly following excess rainfall from hurricanes or other adverse weather. Some of our Florida facilities have high water levels that may, from time to time, require treatment. The high water balances at phosphate facilities in Florida also led the
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Florida Department of Environmental Protection to adopt new rules requiring phosphate production facilities to meet more stringent process water management objectives for phosphogypsum management systems.
If additional excess rainfall or hurricanes occur in coming years, our facilities may be required to take additional measures to manage process water to comply with existing or future requirements and these measures could potentially have a material effect on our business and financial condition.
Adverse weather may also cause a loss of production due to disruptions in our supply chain. For example, oil refineries that supply sulfur to us can be closed as a result of a hurricane and incoming shipments of ammonia can be delayed, disrupting production at our Florida or Louisiana facilities.
Drought can also adversely affect us. For example, drought can reduce farmers’ crop yields and the uptake of phosphates and potash, reducing the need for application of additional phosphates and potash for the next planting season. Drought can also lower river levels, adversely affecting delivery of our products to our customers.
Our operations are dependent on having the required permits and approvals from governmental authorities. Denial or delay by a government agency in issuing any of our permits and approvals or imposition of restrictive conditions on us with respect to these permits and approvals may impair our business and operations.
We hold numerous governmental environmental, mining and other permits and approvals authorizing operations at each of our facilities. A decision by a government agency to revoke or substantially modify an existing permit or approval could have a material adverse effect on our ability to continue operations at the affected facility.
Expansion of our operations also is predicated upon securing the necessary environmental or other permits or approvals. Over the next several years, we and our subsidiaries will be continuing our efforts to obtain permits in support of our anticipated Florida mining operations at certain of our properties.
A denial of, or delay in issuing, these permits, the issuance of permits with cost-prohibitive conditions, legal actions that prevent us from relying on permits or revocation of permits, could prevent us from mining at these properties and thereby have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
For example:
• | In Florida, local community participation has become an important factor in the permitting process for mining companies, and various local counties and other parties in Florida have in the past and continue to file lawsuits challenging the issuance of some of the permits we require. In fiscal 2009, in connection with our efforts to permit an extension of our Four Corners, Florida, phosphate rock mine, non-governmental organizations for the first time filed a lawsuit in federal court against the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (the “Corps”) with respect to its actions in issuing a federal wetlands permit. The federal wetlands permit issued by the Corps remained in effect. Mining on the extension commenced and approximately 600 acres were mined and/or disturbed. In September 2013, this lawsuit was dismissed by the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, Jacksonville Division. |
• | Delays in receiving a federal wetlands permit impacted the scheduled progression of mining activities for the extension of our South Fort Meade, Florida, phosphate rock mine into Hardee County. As a result, we began to idle a portion of our mining equipment at the mine in the latter part of fiscal 2010. In June 2010, the Corps issued the federal wetlands permit. Subsequently, certain non-governmental organizations filed another lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, Jacksonville Division, contesting the issuance of this federal wetlands permit, alleging that the Corps’ actions in issuing the permit violated several federal laws relating to the protection of the environment. Preliminary injunctions entered into in connection with this lawsuit resulted in shutdowns or reduced production at our South Fort Meade mine until April 2012. Following a settlement of the lawsuit in February 2012 and court approval, we were able to resume normal production at our South Fort Meade mine. |
The periods of shutdown and reduced phosphate rock production at our South Fort Meade mine resulted in costs to suspend operations and idle plant costs. Lower phosphate rock mining production levels also adversely affected gross margin.
We have included additional discussion about permitting for our phosphate mines in Florida under “Environmental, Health, Safety and Security Matters—Operating Requirements and Impacts—Permitting” in our Management’s Analysis.
We are subject to financial assurance requirements as part of our routine business operations. These financial assurance requirements affect our costs and increase our liquidity requirements. If we were unable to satisfy applicable financial assurance requirements, we might not be able to obtain or maintain permits we need to operate our business as we have
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in the past. Our need to comply with these requirements could materially affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.
In many cases, as a condition to procuring or maintaining permits and approvals or otherwise, we are required to comply with financial assurance regulatory requirements. The purpose of these requirements is to provide comfort to the government that sufficient funds will be available for the ultimate closure, post-closure care and/or reclamation of our facilities. In most cases, these financial assurance requirements have historically been satisfied without the need for any expenditure of corporate funds to the extent our financial statements meet certain balance sheet and income statement financial strength tests. In the event that we are unable to satisfy these financial strength tests, we must utilize alternative methods of complying with the financial assurance requirements or could be subject to enforcement proceedings brought by relevant government agencies. Potential alternative methods of compliance include negotiating a consent agreement that imposes alternative financial assurance or other conditions or, alternatively, providing credit support in the form of cash escrows or trusts, surety bonds from insurance companies, letters of credit from banks, or other forms of financial instruments or collateral to satisfy the financial assurance requirements. Use of these alternative means of financial assurance imposes additional expense on us. Some of them, such as letters of credit, also use a portion of our available liquidity. Other alternative means of financial assurance, such as surety bonds, may in some cases require collateral and generally require us to obtain a discharge of the bonds or to post additional collateral (typically in the form of cash or letters of credit) at the request of the issuer of the bonds. Collateral that is required may be in many forms including letters of credit or other financial instruments that utilize a portion of our available liquidity, or in the form of assets such as real estate, which reduces our flexibility to manage or sell assets. In the past, we have also not always been able to satisfy applicable financial strength tests, and in the future, it is possible that we will not be able to pass the applicable financial strength tests, negotiate consent decrees, establish escrow or trust accounts or obtain letters of credit, surety bonds or other financial instruments on acceptable terms and conditions or at a reasonable cost, or that the form and/or cost of compliance could increase, which could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.
As more fully discussed in Note 20 of our Consolidated Financial Statements, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is engaged in an ongoing review of mineral processing industries, including us and other phosphoric acid producers, under the U.S. Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. We are negotiating with the government the terms of a possible settlement of certain matters related to this review. The final terms of this possible settlement are not yet agreed or approved; however, if a settlement can be achieved, in all likelihood our multi-faceted commitments would include as one of its key elements our deposit into one or more trust funds of an amount currently estimated at $625 million to pre-fund a material portion of our existing asset retirement obligations for closure and post-closure care of our phosphogypsum management systems.
We have included additional discussion about financial assurance requirements under “Off Balance Sheet Arrangements and Obligations—Other Commercial Commitments” in our Management’s Analysis.
The other environmental regulations to which we are subject may also have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
In addition to permitting and financial assurance requirements, we are subject to numerous other environmental, health and safety laws and regulations in the U.S., Canada, China, Brazil and other countries where we operate. These laws and regulations govern a wide range of matters, including environmental controls, land reclamation, discharges to air and water and remediation of hazardous substance releases. They significantly affect our operating activities as well as the level of our operating costs and capital expenditures. In some international jurisdictions, environmental laws change frequently and it may be difficult for us to determine if we are in compliance with all material environmental laws at any given time.
We are, and may in the future be, involved in legal and regulatory proceedings that could be material to us. These proceedings include “legacy” matters arising from activities of our predecessor companies and from facilities and businesses that we have never owned or operated.
We have in the past been, are currently and may in the future be subject to legal and regulatory proceedings that could be material to our business, results of operations, liquidity or financial condition. Joint ventures in which we participate could also become subject to these sorts of proceedings. These proceedings may be brought by the government or private parties and may arise out of a variety of matters, including:
• | Allegations by the government or private parties that we have violated the permitting, financial assurance or other environmental, health and safety laws and regulations discussed above. For example, in connection with possible settlement of matters relating to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s ongoing review of mineral processing industries under the U.S. Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, we anticipate that any settlement would include, in general and among other elements, in addition to the trust fund discussed above, our commitment to capital expenditures likely to exceed $150 million in the aggregate over a period of several years and civil penalties. We are |
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also involved in other proceedings alleging that, or to review whether, we have violated environmental laws in the United States and Brazil.
• | Other environmental, health and safety matters, including alleged personal injury, wrongful death, complaints that our operations are adversely impacting nearby farms and other business operations, other property damage, subsidence from mining operations, natural resource damages and other damage to the environment, arising out of operations, including accidents. For example, several actions were initiated by the government and private parties related to a release of phosphoric acid process wastewater at our Riverview, Florida facility during a 2004 hurricane. |
• | Antitrust, commercial, tax (including tax audits) and other disputes. For example, we were one of a number of defendants in multiple class-action lawsuits, in which the plaintiffs sought unspecified amounts of damages including treble damages, alleging that we and other defendants conspired to, among other matters, fix the price at which potash was sold in the United States, allocated market shares and customers and fraudulently concealed their anticompetitive conduct. In January 2013, we settled these class action antitrust lawsuits for an aggregate of $43.8 million. |
The legal and regulatory proceedings to which we are currently or may in the future be subject can, depending on the circumstances, result in monetary damage awards, fines, penalties, other liabilities, injunctions or other court or administrative rulings that interrupt, impede or otherwise materially affect our business operations, and/or criminal sanctions.
Among other environmental laws, the U.S. Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (“CERCLA”) imposes liability, including for cleanup costs, without regard to fault or to the legality of a party’s conduct, on certain categories of persons, including current and former owners and operators of a site and parties who are considered to have contributed to the release of “hazardous substances” into the environment. Under CERCLA, or various U.S. state analogs, a party may, under certain circumstances, be required to bear more than its proportional share of cleanup costs at a site where it has liability if payments cannot be obtained from other responsible parties. As a crop nutrient company working with chemicals and other hazardous substances, we will periodically incur liabilities and cleanup costs, under CERCLA and other environmental laws, with regard to our current or former facilities, adjacent or nearby third-party facilities or offsite disposal locations.
Pending and potential legal and regulatory proceedings may arise out of our present activities, including operations at current facilities. They may also arise out of past activities by us, our predecessor companies and subsidiaries that our predecessors have sold. These past activities were in some cases at facilities that we and our subsidiaries no longer own or operate and may have never owned or operated.
Settlements of legal and regulatory matters frequently require court approval. In the event a court were not to approve of a settlement, it is possible that we and the other party or parties to the matter might not be able to settle it on terms that were acceptable to all parties or that we could be required to accept more stringent terms of settlement than required by the opposing parties.
We have included additional information with respect to pending legal and regulatory proceedings in Note 20 of our Consolidated Financial Statements and in this report in Part I, Item 3, “Legal Proceedings”.
These legal and regulatory proceedings involve inherent uncertainties and could negatively impact our business, results of operations, liquidity or financial condition.
The permitting, financial assurance and other environmental, health and safety laws and regulations to which we are subject may become more stringent over time. This could increase the effects on us of these laws and regulations, and the increased effects could be material.
Continued government and public emphasis on environmental, health and safety issues in the U.S., Canada, China, Brazil and other countries where we operate can be expected to result in requirements that apply to us and our operations that are more stringent than those that are described above and elsewhere in this report. These more stringent requirements may include among other matters increased levels of future investments and expenditures for environmental controls at ongoing operations which will be charged against income from future operations, increased levels of the financial assurance requirements to which we are subject, increased efforts or costs to obtain permits or denial of permits, other new or interpretations of existing statutes or regulations that impose new or more stringent restrictions or liabilities, including liabilities under CERCLA or similar statutes, including restrictions or liabilities related to elevated levels of naturally-occurring radiation that arise from disturbing the ground in the course of mining activities, and other matters that could increase our expenses, capital requirements or liabilities or adversely affect our business, liquidity or financial condition. In addition, to the extent restrictions imposed in countries where our competitors operate, such as China, India, Former Soviet Union countries or Morocco, are less stringent than in the countries where we operate, our competitors could gain cost or other competitive advantages over us. These effects could be material.
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Among other matters, there are several ongoing initiatives relating to nutrient discharges. New regulatory restrictions from these initiatives could have a material effect on either us or our customers. For example:
• | The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (“FDEP”) has adopted state nutrient criteria rules (“Florida NNC Rule”) to supplant the requirements of numeric water quality standards for the discharge of nitrogen and/or phosphorus into Florida lakes and streams that were adopted by the EPA in December 2010 (the “NNC Rule”). While the EPA has withdrawn the federal NNC Rule and the FDEP criteria now are effective, the possibility remains that still-pending litigation relating to the NNC Rule or future litigation could challenge the EPA's withdrawal or the effectiveness of the Florida NNC Rule. Subject to further litigation developments, we expect that compliance with the requirements of nutrient criteria rules could adversely affect our Florida Phosphate operations, require significant capital expenditures or substantially increase our annual operating expenses. |
• | The Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Task Force, established by executive order of the President and comprised of five Gulf states and eleven federal agencies, has delivered a final strategy for long-term ecosystem restoration for the Gulf Coast. The strategy calls for, among other matters, reduction of the flow of excess nutrients into the Gulf through state nutrient reduction frameworks, new nutrient reduction approaches and reduction of agricultural and urban sources of excess nutrients. Implementation of the strategy will require legislative or regulatory action at the state level. We cannot predict what the requirements of any such legislative or regulatory action could be or whether or how it would affect us or our customers. |
• | In March 2012, several nongovernmental organizations brought a lawsuit in federal court against the EPA, seeking to require it to establish numeric nutrient criteria for nitrogen and phosphorous in the Mississippi River basin and the Gulf of Mexico. The EPA had previously denied a 2008 petition seeking such standards. On May 30, 2012, the court granted our motion to intervene in this lawsuit. On September 20, 2013 the Court ruled that the EPA had to respond directly to the environmental organizations’ petition as to whether numeric nutrient criteria for the Mississippi River basin and Gulf of Mexico are “necessary” under the Clean Water Act, but that the EPA had the discretion to rely on administrative, policy and other non-technical factors in responding to the petition. The EPA appealed the district court decision, and oral argument before the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals was heard on December 5, 2014. The court's decision on that appeal is pending. In the event that the EPA were to adopt numeric nutrient criteria for the Mississippi River basin and the Gulf of Mexico, we cannot predict what these requirements would be or the effects they would have on us or our customers. |
• | We continue to monitor proposed regulations and policies prompted by the 2014 algal bloom in Lake Erie. We cannot predict the effects such initiatives might have to our operations or those of our customers. |
In addition, in April 2014 the EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers jointly issued a proposed rule that would redefine the scope of waters regulated under the federal Clean Water Act. We believe the new definition would expand the types and extent of water resources regulated under federal law, thereby potentially expanding our permitting and reporting requirements, increasing our costs of compliance, including costs associated with wetlands and stream mitigation, lengthening the time necessary to obtain permits, and restricting our ability to mine certain of our phosphate rock reserves. If the rule were finalized as proposed, we believe it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Regulatory restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions and climate change regulations in the United States, Canada or elsewhere could adversely affect us, and these effects could be material.
Various governmental initiatives to limit greenhouse gas emissions are under way or under consideration around the world. These initiatives could restrict our operating activities, require us to make changes in our operating activities that would increase our operating costs, reduce our efficiency or limit our output, require us to make capital improvements to our facilities, increase our energy, raw material and transportation costs or limit their availability, or otherwise adversely affect our results of operations, liquidity or capital resources, and these effects could be material to us.
Governmental greenhouse gas emission initiatives include among others:
• | Initiatives in the United States: Various legislative or regulatory initiatives relating to greenhouse gases have been adopted or considered by the U.S. Congress, the EPA or various states. It is possible that future legislation or regulation addressing climate change could adversely affect our operating activities, energy, raw material and transportation costs, results of operations, liquidity or capital resources, and these effects could be material. |
• | Initiatives in Canada: Canada remains committed to addressing climate change. Under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Canada signed the Copenhagen Accord in December 2009 and committed to reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to 17% below 2005 levels by 2020. The government is pursuing a sector-by-sector regulatory approach aligned with the United States, where appropriate. Our Saskatchewan |
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Potash facilities continue to work with the Canadian Fertilizer Institute and Environment Canada on a sector based approach.
In May 2009, the Province of Saskatchewan, in which our Canadian potash mines are located, began to consider legislation intended to lead to the development and administration of climate change regulation in Saskatchewan by the Province rather than the federal government. Key elements under consideration by the Province include a primary focus on achieving a 20% reduction by 2020. Under the proposed framework, compliance mechanisms such as the Technology Fund, Recognition for Early Action, Pre-Certified Investments, Emission Intensive Trade Exposed credits and carbon offsets would be established to provide flexibility for regulated emitters to meet their greenhouse gas reduction obligations.
• | International Initiatives. Although international negotiations concerning greenhouse gas emission reductions and other responses to climate change are underway, final obligations in the post-Kyoto Protocol period after 2012 remain undefined. Any new international agreements addressing climate change could adversely affect our operating activities, energy, raw material and transportation costs, results of operations, liquidity or capital resources, and these effects could be material. In addition, to the extent climate change restrictions imposed in countries where our competitors operate, such as China, India, Former Soviet Union countries or Morocco, are less stringent than in the United States or Canada, our competitors could gain cost or other competitive advantages over us. |
Future climate change could adversely affect us.
The prospective impact of climate change on our operations and those of our customers and farmers remains uncertain. Some scientists have hypothesized that the impacts of climate change could include changes in rainfall patterns, water shortages, changing sea levels, changing storm patterns and intensities, and changing temperature levels and that these changes could be severe. These impacts could vary by geographic location. At the present time, we cannot predict the prospective impact of climate change on our results of operations, liquidity or capital resources, or whether any such effects could be material to us.
Some of our competitors and potential competitors have greater resources than we do, which may place us at a competitive disadvantage and adversely affect our sales and profitability. These competitors include state-owned and government-subsidized entities in other countries.
We compete with a number of producers throughout the world, including state-owned and government-subsidized entities. Some of these entities may have greater total resources than we do, and may be less dependent on earnings from crop nutrients sales than we are. In addition, some of these entities may have access to lower cost or government-subsidized natural gas supplies, placing us at a competitive disadvantage. Furthermore, certain governments as owners of some of our competitors may be willing to accept lower prices and profitability on their products in order to support domestic employment or other political or social goals. To the extent other producers of crop nutrients enjoy competitive advantages or are willing to accept lower profit levels, the price of our products, our sales volumes and our profits may be adversely affected.
We have substantial cash balances that we invest in what we believe to be relatively short-term, highly liquid and high credit quality investments. We intend the investment risks, including counterparty default and lack of liquidity, on these types of investments to be relatively low, but market rates of return on these types of investments are also generally relatively low. In addition, our efforts to manage the investment risks could be unsuccessful. This could result in a material adverse effect on our results of operations, liquidity or financial condition.
Our significant cash flows from operations have resulted in cash and cash-equivalents of approximately $2.4 billion as of December 31, 2014. Our cash and cash-equivalents should continue to increase when we generate cash from operations, except to the extent we reinvest in our business or make distributions to our stockholders. We generally invest these cash and cash-equivalents in what we believe to be relatively short-term, highly liquid and high credit quality instruments. Because of these characteristics of our cash and cash-equivalents, the market rates of return on them are lower than our expectations for the return on capital invested in our business operations. Moreover, our efforts to manage investment risk by focusing our investing on short-term, highly liquid and high credit quality investments could prove unsuccessful. The likelihood that our efforts to manage investment risk might prove unsuccessful is heightened during times when there is significant turmoil in the financial markets. As a result, counterparties could default on their obligations to us, or the liquidity of financial instruments that we hold could become impaired. Any such event could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, liquidity or financial condition.
During 2014 we repurchased approximately 51.5 million Class A Shares and approximately 7.6 million Common Shares, and we have approximately $191.3 million remaining under our publicly announced $1 billion share repurchase program. These share repurchases have, and are expected to continue to, reduce our cash balances and liquidity.
The agreements relating to the Cargill Transaction prevented us from repurchasing our shares in a negotiated transaction or through open market repurchases until November 26, 2013. On December 6, 2013, we entered into the MAC Trusts Share
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Repurchase Agreement to purchase all of our Class A Shares held by the MAC Trusts through a series of eight purchases during the period January 8, 2014 through July 30, 2014. During 2014, all 43,294,015 Class A Shares held by the MAC Trusts were repurchased under the MAC Trusts Share Repurchase Agreement.
In February of 2014, our Board of Directors authorized a $1 billion share repurchase program (the “Repurchase Program”), allowing us to repurchase Class A Shares or shares of Common Stock, through direct buybacks or in open market transactions, in line with our capital management policy. The authorization is in addition to the MAC Trusts Share Repurchase Agreement under which we have repurchased Class A shares from the MAC Trusts. During 2014, under the Repurchase Program, 8,193,698 Class A Shares were repurchased under agreements we entered into with certain Cargill family member trusts and 7,585,085 shares of Common Stock were repurchased in the open market for an aggregate of $727.3 million.
Under our capital management policy, we have also indicated our willingness to use our available debt capacity, as well as our surplus cash, to fund share repurchases, financial assurance requirements arising in our business and strategic investments. Our use of our surplus cash and/or available debt capacity for these purposes has reduced our available cash and liquidity. To the extent we use our surplus cash and/or available debt capacity for these purposes in the future, our available cash and liquidity could be further reduced.
We do not own a controlling equity interest in our non-consolidated companies, some of which are foreign companies, and therefore our operating results and cash flow may be materially affected by how the governing boards and majority owners operate such businesses. There may also be limitations on monetary distributions from these companies that are outside of our control. Together, these factors may lower our equity earnings or cash flow from such businesses and negatively impact our results of operations.
We recently entered into the Wa’ad Al Shamal Joint Venture to develop a mine and chemical complexes for an estimated $7.5 billion that would produce phosphate fertilizers, animal feed, feed grade purified phosphoric acid and sodium tripolyphosphate in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We have a 25% interest in the joint venture and expect our cash investment will be up to $850 million, funded over a four-year period. The success of this joint venture will depend on, among other matters, the ability of the Wa’ad Al Shamal Joint Venture to obtain additional planned funding in acceptable amounts and upon acceptable terms, the future success of current plans for the development and operation of the Wa’ad Al Shamal Joint Venture and any future changes in those plans.
We also hold minority ownership interests in a joint venture that owns and operates a phosphate rock mine and in other companies that are not controlled by us. We expect that the operations and results of the Wa’ad Al Shamal Joint Venture will be, and the operations or results of some of the other joint ventures or companies are, significant to us, and their operations can affect our earnings. Because we do not control these companies either at the board or stockholder levels and because local laws in foreign jurisdictions and contractual obligations may place restrictions on monetary distributions by these companies, we cannot ensure that these companies will operate efficiently, pay dividends, or generally follow the desires of our management by virtue of our board or stockholder representation. As a result, these companies may contribute less than anticipated to our earnings and cash flow, negatively impacting our results of operations and liquidity.
Strikes or other forms of work stoppage or slowdown could disrupt our business and lead to increased costs.
Our financial performance is dependent on a reliable and productive work force. A significant portion of our workforce, and that of the joint ventures in which we participate, is covered by collective bargaining agreements with unions. Unsuccessful contract negotiations or adverse labor relations could result in strikes or slowdowns. Any disruptions may decrease our production and sales or impose additional costs to resolve disputes. The risk of adverse labor relations may increase as our profitability increases because labor unions’ expectations and demands generally rise at those times.
Accidents occurring in the course of our operating activities could result in significant liabilities, interruptions or shutdowns of facilities or the need for significant safety or other expenditures.
We engage in mining and industrial activities that can result in serious accidents. Mining, in particular, can be a dangerous activity. If our safety procedures are not effective, or if an accident occurs, we could be subject to liabilities arising out of personal injuries or death, our operations could be interrupted and we might have to shut down or abandon affected facilities. Accidents could cause us to expend significant amounts to remediate safety issues or to repair damaged facilities. For example:
• | Some of our mines are subject to potential damage from earthquakes. |
The excavation of mines can result in potential seismic events or can increase the likelihood or potential severity of a seismic event. The rise and fall of water levels, such as those arising from the brine inflows and our remediation activities at our Esterhazy mine, can also result in or increase the likelihood or potential severity of a seismic event. Our Esterhazy mine has experienced minor seismic events from time to time. A significant seismic event at one of our
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mines could result in serious injuries or death, or damage to or flooding of the mine or, in the extreme scenario, cause us to change our mining process or abandon the mine.
• | Our underground potash shaft mines are subject to risk from fire. In the event of a fire, if our emergency procedures are not successful, we could have significant injuries or deaths. In addition, fire at one of our underground shaft mines could halt our operations at the affected mine while we investigate the origin of the fire or for longer periods for remedial work or otherwise. |
Our underground potash shaft mines at Esterhazy and Colonsay, Saskatchewan and Carlsbad, New Mexico are subject to risk from fire. Any failure of our safety procedures in the future could result in serious injuries or death, or shutdowns, which could result in significant liabilities and/or impact on the financial performance of our Potash business, including a possible material adverse effect on our results of operations, liquidity or financial condition.
• | We handle significant quantities of ammonia at several of our facilities. If our safety procedures are not effective, an accident involving our ammonia operations could result in serious injuries or death, or result in the shutdown of our facilities. |
We produce ammonia at our Faustina, Louisiana phosphate concentrates plant, use ammonia in significant quantities at all of our Florida and Louisiana phosphates concentrates plants and store ammonia at some of our distribution facilities. For our Florida phosphates concentrates plants, ammonia is received at terminals in Tampa and transported by pipelines and rail to our facilities. Our ammonia is generally stored and transported at high pressures. An accident could occur that could result in serious injuries or death, or the evacuation of areas near an accident. An accident could also result in property damage or the shutdown of our Florida or Louisiana phosphates concentrates plants, the ammonia terminals, pipelines or rail lines serving those plants or our other ammonia storage and handling facilities. As a result, an accident involving ammonia could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, liquidity or financial condition.
• | We also use or produce other hazardous or volatile chemicals at some of our facilities. If our safety procedures are not effective, an accident involving these other hazardous or volatile chemicals could result in serious injuries or death, or result in the shutdown of our facilities. |
We use sulfuric acid in the production of concentrated phosphates in our Florida and Louisiana operations. Some of our Florida and Louisiana facilities produce fluorosilicic acid, which is a hazardous chemical, for resale to third parties. We also use or produce other hazardous or volatile chemicals at some of our facilities. An accident involving any of these chemicals could result in serious injuries or death, or evacuation of areas near an accident. An accident could also result in property damage or shutdown of our facilities, or cause us to expend significant amounts to remediate safety issues or to repair damaged facilities. As a result, an accident involving any of these chemicals could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, liquidity or financial condition.
Deliberate, malicious acts, including terrorism and cyber attacks, could damage our facilities, disrupt our operations or injure employees, contractors, customers or the public and result in liability to us.
Intentional acts of destruction could hinder our sales or production and disrupt our supply chain. Our facilities could be damaged or destroyed, reducing our operational production capacity and requiring us to repair or replace our facilities at substantial cost. Employees, contractors and the public could suffer substantial physical injury for which we could be liable. Governmental authorities may impose security or other requirements that could make our operations more difficult or costly. The consequences of any such actions could adversely affect our operating results and financial condition.
We may be adversely affected by changing antitrust laws to which we are subject. Increases in crop nutrient prices can increase the scrutiny to which we are subject under these laws.
We are subject to antitrust and competition laws in various countries throughout the world. We cannot predict how these laws or their interpretation, administration and enforcement will change over time. Changes in antitrust laws globally, or in their interpretation, administration or enforcement, may limit our existing or future operations and growth, or the operations of Canpotex, which serves as an export association for our Potash business. Increases in crop nutrient prices have in the past resulted in increased scrutiny of the crop nutrient industry under antitrust and competition laws and can increase the risk that these laws could be interpreted, administered or enforced in a manner that could affect our operating practices or impose liability on us in a manner that could materially adversely affect our operating results and financial condition.
We may be adversely affected by other changes in laws resulting from increases in food and crop nutrient prices.
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Increases in prices for, among other things, food, fuel and crop inputs (including crop nutrients) have in the past been the subject of significant discussion by various governmental bodies and officials throughout the world. In response to increases, it is possible that governments in one or more of the locations in which we operate or where we or our competitors sell our products could take actions that could affect us. Such actions could include, among other matters, changes in governmental policies relating to agriculture and biofuels (including changes in subsidy levels), price controls, tariffs, windfall profits taxes or export or import taxes. Any such actions could materially adversely affect our operating results and financial condition.
Our competitive position could be adversely affected if we are unable to participate in continuing industry consolidation.
Most of our products are readily available from a number of competitors, and price and other competition in the crop nutrient industry is intense. In addition, crop nutrient production facilities and distribution activities frequently benefit from economies of scale. As a result, particularly during pronounced cyclical troughs, the crop nutrient industry has a long history of consolidation. Mosaic itself is the result of a number of industry consolidations. We expect consolidation among crop nutrient producers could continue. Our competitive position could suffer to the extent we are not able to expand our own resources either through consolidations, acquisitions, joint ventures or partnerships. In the future, we may not be able to find suitable companies to combine with, assets to purchase or joint venture or partnership opportunities to pursue. Even if we are able to locate desirable opportunities, we may not be able to enter into transactions on economically acceptable terms. If we do not successfully participate in continuing industry consolidation, our ability to compete successfully could be adversely affected and result in the loss of customers or an uncompetitive cost structure, which could adversely affect our sales and profitability.
Our strategy for managing market risk may not be effective.
Our businesses are affected by fluctuations in market prices for our products, the purchase price of natural gas, ammonia and sulfur consumed in operations, freight and shipping costs and foreign currency exchange rates. We periodically enter into derivatives and forward purchase contracts to mitigate some of these risks. However, our strategy may not be successful in minimizing our exposure to these fluctuations. See “Market Risk” in our Management’s Analysis and Note 14 of our Consolidated Financial Statements that is incorporated by reference in this report in Part II, Item 8.
A shortage of railcars, barges and ships for carrying our products and the raw materials we use in our business could result in customer dissatisfaction, loss of production or sales, and higher transportation or equipment costs.
We rely heavily upon truck, rail, barge and ocean freight transportation to obtain the raw materials we need and to deliver our products to our customers. In addition, the cost of transportation is an important part of the final sale price of our products. Finding affordable and dependable transportation is important in obtaining our raw materials and to supply our customers. Higher costs for these transportation services or an interruption or slowdown due to factors including high demand, high fuel prices, labor disputes, layoffs or other factors affecting the availability of qualified transportation workers, adverse weather or other environmental events, or changes to rail, barge or ocean freight systems, could negatively affect our ability to produce our products or deliver them to our customers, which could affect our performance and results of operations.
Strong demand for grain and other products and a strong world economy increase the demand for and reduce the availability of transportation, both domestically and internationally. Shortages of railcars, barges and ocean transport for carrying product and increased transit time may result in customer dissatisfaction, loss of sales and higher equipment and transportation costs. In addition, during periods when the shipping industry has a shortage of ships the substantial time needed to build new ships prevents rapid market response. Delays and missed shipments due to transportation shortages, including vessels, barges, railcars and trucks, could result in customer dissatisfaction or loss of sales potential, which could negatively affect our performance and results of operations.
A lack of customers’ access to credit can adversely affect their ability to purchase our products.
Some of our customers require access to credit to purchase our products. A lack of available credit to customers in one or more countries, due to global or local economic conditions or for other reasons, could adversely affect demand for crop nutrients.
We extend trade credit to our customers and guarantee the financing that some of our customers use to purchase our products. Our results of operations may be adversely affected if these customers are unable to repay the trade credit from us or financing from their banks. Increases in prices for crop nutrient, other agricultural inputs and grain may increase this risk.
We extend trade credit to our customers in the United States and throughout the world, in some cases for extended periods of time. In Brazil, where there are fewer third-party financing sources available to farmers, we also have several programs under which we guarantee customers’ financing from financial institutions that they use to purchase our products. As our exposure to
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longer trade credit extended throughout the world and use of guarantees in Brazil increases, we are increasingly exposed to the risk that some of our customers will not pay us or the amounts we have guaranteed. Additionally, we become increasingly exposed to risk due to weather and crop growing conditions, fluctuations in commodity prices or foreign currencies, and other factors that influence the price, supply and demand for agricultural commodities. Significant defaults by our customers could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Increases in prices for crop nutrients increase the dollar amount of our sales to customers. The larger dollar value of our customers’ purchases may also lead them to request longer trade credit from us and/or increase their need for us to guarantee their financing of our products. Either factor could increase the amount of our exposure to the risk that our customers may be unable to repay the trade credit from us or financing from their banks that we guarantee. In addition, increases in prices for other agricultural inputs and grain may increase the working capital requirements, indebtedness and other liabilities of our customers, increase the risk that they will default on the trade credit from us or their financing that we guarantee, and decrease the likelihood that we will be able to collect from our customers in the event of their default.
Tax rules governing the Cargill Transaction limited our ability to execute certain actions for a period of time following the Cargill Transaction and, if our procedures for compliance with those restrictions were ineffective, notwithstanding the IRS ruling and tax opinion issued to Cargill in connection with the Cargill Transaction, we could owe significant tax-related indemnification liabilities to Cargill.
The IRS issued a ruling to the effect that the Split-off that was part of the Cargill Transaction would be tax-free to Cargill and its stockholders, and in connection with the completion of the Cargill Transaction, Cargill received a tax opinion relating to certain tax consequences of the Cargill Transaction. Notwithstanding the IRS ruling and tax opinion, however, the Split-off and Debt Exchanges could be taxable to Cargill and its stockholders under certain circumstances. Therefore, we and Cargill agreed to tax-related restrictions and indemnities set forth in a tax agreement related to the Cargill Transaction, under which we were restricted or deterred from taking certain actions until May 26, 2013, including (i) redeeming or purchasing our stock in excess of agreed-upon amounts; (ii) issuing any equity securities in excess of agreed upon amounts; (iii) approving or recommending a third party’s acquisition of us; (iv) permitting any merger or other combination of Mosaic or MOS Holdings; and (v) entering into an agreement for the purchase of any interest in Mosaic or MOS Holdings, subject to certain exceptions. We agreed to indemnify Cargill for taxes and tax-related losses imposed on Cargill as a result of the Split-off and/or Debt Exchange failing to qualify as tax-free, if the taxes and related losses are attributable to, arise out of or result from certain prohibited acts or to any breach of, or inaccuracy in, any representation, warranty or covenant made by us in the tax agreement referred to above. The taxes and tax-related losses of Cargill would be material if these transactions fail to qualify as tax-free, and, if our procedures for avoiding any of these prohibited acts or breaches were ineffective, this indemnity would result in material liabilities from us to Cargill that could have a material adverse effect on us. For a further discussion of the restrictions and indemnities set forth in the agreements related to the Cargill Transaction, please see Note 2 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Provisions in our restated certificate of incorporation and bylaws and of Delaware law may prevent or delay an acquisition of our company, which could decrease the trading price of our common stock.
Our restated certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws contain provisions that could have the effect of rendering more difficult or discouraging an acquisition deemed undesirable by our board of directors. These provisions include the ability of our board of directors to issue preferred stock without stockholder approval, a prohibition on stockholder action by written consent and the inability of our stockholders to request that our board of directors or chairman of our board call a special meeting of stockholders.
We are also subject to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law. In general, Section 203 prohibits a publicly held Delaware corporation from engaging in a “business combination” with an “interested stockholder” for a period of three years from the date of the transaction in which the person became an interested stockholder, unless the interested stockholder attained this status with the approval of the board of directors or unless the business combination was approved in a prescribed manner. A “business combination” includes mergers, asset sales and other transactions resulting in a financial benefit to the interested stockholder. Subject to exceptions, an “interested stockholder” is a person who, together with affiliates and associates, owns, or within three years owned, 15% or more of the corporation’s voting stock. This statute could prohibit or delay the accomplishment of mergers or other takeover or change in control attempts with respect to us and, accordingly, may discourage attempts to acquire us.
These provisions apply not only when they may protect our stockholders from coercive or otherwise unfair takeover tactics but even if the offer may be considered beneficial by some stockholders and could delay or prevent an acquisition that our board of directors determines is not in our best interests or those of our stockholders.
Our success will increasingly depend on our ability to attract and retain highly qualified and motivated employees.
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We believe our continued success depends on the collective abilities and efforts of our employees. Like many businesses, a significant number of our employees, including some of our most highly skilled employees with specialized expertise in potash and phosphates operations, will be approaching retirement age throughout the next decade and beyond. In addition, we compete for a talented workforce with other businesses, particularly within the mining and chemicals industries in general and the crop nutrients industry in particular. Our expansion plans are highly dependent on our ability to attract, retain and train highly qualified and motivated employees who are essential to the success of our ongoing operations as well as to our expansion plans. If we were to be unsuccessful in attracting, retaining and training the employees we require, our ongoing operations and expansion plans could be materially and adversely affected.
Future technological innovation could affect our business.
Future technological innovation such as the development of seeds that require less crop nutrients, or developments in the application of crop nutrients, if they occur, could have the potential to adversely affect the demand for our products and our results of operations, liquidity and capital resources.
The success of our strategic initiatives depends on our ability to effectively manage these initiatives, and to successfully integrate and grow acquired businesses.
We have initiated several significant strategic initiatives, principally our plans to expand the annual production capacity of our Potash business, the Wa’ad Al Shamal Joint Venture, the CF Phosphate Assets Acquisition and our acquisition of ADM's fertilizer distribution business in Brazil and Paraguay. These strategic initiatives involve capital and other expenditures of several billions of dollars over a number of years and require effective project management and, in the case of strategic acquisitions, successful integration. To the extent the processes we (or, for the Wa’ad Al Shamal Joint Venture, we together with Ma’aden and SABIC) put in place to manage these initiatives or integrate and grow acquired businesses are not effective, our capital expenditure and other costs may exceed our expectations or the benefits we expect from these initiatives might not be fully realized.
We may fail to fully realize the anticipated benefits and cost savings of the CF Phosphate Assets Acquisition and the CF Ammonia Supply Agreements.
The success of our CF Phosphate Assets Acquisition and the CF Ammonia Supply Agreements will depend, in part, on our ability to realize the anticipated benefits and cost savings from combining CF’s phosphate mining and production operations with our operations in Central Florida, our ability to avoid or delay future capital spending as a result of the transactions and our ability to realize cost savings from natural gas based pricing under one of the long term CF Ammonia Supply Agreements. Our ability to realize these anticipated benefits and cost savings is subject to certain risks including:
• | Our ability to avoid certain planned capital expenditures necessary for future mines through utilization of some of the mining infrastructure assets we acquired from CF and to avoid the capital expenditures for our own new ammonia plant as a result of the CF Ammonia Supply Agreements; |
• | Whether the combined operations will perform as expected; |
• | Whether CF successfully performs its obligations under the CF Ammonia Supply Agreements over the life of its commitment; and |
• | The cooperation of federal, state and local governmental agencies on matters relating to the acquisition, including permitting of CF's proposed South Pasture Extension mine, and other regulatory enforcement matters. |
In addition, we use ammonia as a raw material in the production of our concentrated phosphate products. Under one of the CF Ammonia Supply Agreements, we have agreed to purchase 545,000 to 725,000 tonnes of ammonia per year for up to 15 years at a price to be determined by a formula based on the prevailing price of U.S. natural gas. This agreement is expected to commence prior to January 1, 2017. If the price of natural gas rises or the market price for ammonia falls outside of the range we currently anticipate, we may not fully realize the cost benefit we anticipate from the natural gas based pricing under this agreement, or the cost of our ammonia under this agreement could be a competitive disadvantage.
Our benefits from the CF Phosphate Assets Acquisition and the acquisition of ADM's fertilizer distribution business depend, in part, on the accuracy of our estimates of the liabilities and obligations we are assuming in the transaction.
We have assumed various liabilities and obligations of CF and ADM as part of the CF Phosphate Assets Acquisition and our acquisition of ADM's fertilizer distribution business in Brazil and Paraguay. The benefits we expect from these acquisitions depend, in part, on the accuracy of our estimates of these liabilities and obligations. To the extent we have underestimated these liabilities and obligations, we might not fully realize the benefits we are expecting from the acquisitions.
Cyber attacks could disrupt our operations and have a material adverse impact on our business.
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We utilize and rely upon information technology systems in many aspects of our business, including internal and external communications and the management of our accounting, financial and supply chain functions. As we become more dependent on information technologies to conduct our operations, and as the number and sophistication of cyber attacks increase, the risks associated with cyber security increase. These risks apply both to us, and to third parties on whose systems we rely for the conduct of our business. Failure to effectively anticipate, prevent, detect and recover from the increasing number and sophistication of cyber attacks could result in theft, loss, damage, misuse or modification of and to our information and cause disruptions in our business, reputational damage and third-party claims, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.
None.
Item 2. Properties.
Information regarding our plant and properties is included in Part I, Item 1, “Business,” of this report.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
We have included information about legal and environmental proceedings in Note 20 of our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. This information is incorporated herein by reference.
We are also subject to the following legal and environmental proceeding in addition to those described in Note 20 of our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements:
• | Nutrient Discharges into the Gulf of Mexico and Mississippi River Basin. On March 13, 2012, the Gulf Restoration Network, the Missouri Coalition for the Environment, the Iowa Environmental Council, the Tennessee Clean Water Network, the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy, Sierra Club, the Waterkeeper Alliance, Inc., the Prairie Rivers Network, the Kentucky Waterways Alliance, the Environmental Law & Policy Center and the Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc. brought a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana (the “Louisiana District Court”) against the EPA, seeking to require it to establish numeric nutrient criteria for nitrogen and phosphorous in the Mississippi River basin. In July 2011, the EPA had denied the plaintiffs’ July 2008 petition seeking such standards. On May 30, 2012, the Louisiana District Court granted our motion to intervene in this lawsuit. |
On September 20, 2013, the Louisiana District Court issued a decision in this matter, holding that while the EPA was required to respond directly to the petition and find that numeric nutrient criteria either were or were not necessary for the Mississippi River watershed, the EPA had the discretion to decide this issue based on non-technical factors, including cost, policy considerations, administrative complexity and other issues. The EPA appealed this decision to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in November 2013.
We intend to defend vigorously the EPA’s decision. In the event that the EPA were to establish numeric nutrient criteria for nitrogen and phosphorous in the Mississippi River basin and the Gulf of Mexico, we cannot predict what its requirements would be or the effects it would have on us or our customers.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.
Information concerning mine safety violations or other regulatory matters required by Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and Item 104 of Regulation S-K is included in Exhibit 95 to this report.
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PART II.
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
We have included information about the market price of, dividends on and the number of holders of our common stock under “Quarterly Results (Unaudited)” in the financial information that is incorporated by reference in this report in Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”
The principal stock exchange on which our common stock is traded is The New York Stock Exchange.
The following provides information related to equity compensation plans:
Plan category | Number of shares to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights (a) | Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights (b) | Number of shares remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding shares reflected in first column) | |||||||
Equity compensation plans approved by stockholders | 3,931,725 | $ | 48.88 | 15,001,457 | ||||||
Equity compensation plans not approved by stockholders | — | — | — | |||||||
Total | 3,931,725 | $ | 48.88 | 15,001,457 |
______________________________
(a) | Includes grants of stock options, time-based restricted stock units and performance units. For purposes of the table above, the number of shares to be issued under a performance unit reflects the maximum number of shares of our common stock that may be issued pursuant to such performance unit; the actual number of shares to be issued will depend on the change in the market price of our common stock over a three-year vesting period, with no shares issued if the market price of a share of our common stock at the vesting date (plus, for grants made on and after July 18, 2012 dividends thereon), is less than 50% of its market price on the date of grant and the maximum number issued only if the market price of a share of our common stock at the vesting date (plus, for grants made on and after July 18, 2012 dividends thereon) is at least twice its market price on the date of grant. |
(b) | Includes weighted average exercise price of stock options only. |
Pursuant to our equity compensation plans, we have granted and may in the future grant employee stock options to purchase shares of common stock of Mosaic for which the purchase price may be paid by means of delivery to us by the optionee of shares of common stock of Mosaic that are already owned by the optionee (at a value equal to market value on the date of the option exercise). During the period covered by this report, no options to purchase shares of common stock of Mosaic were exercised for which the purchase price was so paid.
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Issuer Repurchases of Equity Securities(a)
The following table sets forth information with respect to shares of our Common Stock that we purchased under the Repurchase Program during the quarter ended December 31, 2014:
Period | Total number of shares purchased | Average price paid per share | Total number of shares purchased as part of a publicly announced program | Maximum approximate dollar value that may be yet purchased under the program(b) | ||||
Common Stock | ||||||||
October 1, 2014 - October 31, 2014................ | 2,364,849 | $42.35 | 2,364,849 | $431,285,941 | ||||
November 1, 2014 - November 30, 2014............ | 1,601,361 | $45.15 | 1,601,361 | $358,989,634 | ||||
December 1, 2014 - December 31, 2014............ | 1,898,624 | $45.44 | 1,898,624 | $272,715,349 | ||||
Total.................................... | 5,864,834 | $44.12 | 5,864,834 | $272,715,349 |
(a) On February 11, 2014, we announced the Repurchase Program to repurchase up to $1 billion of our Class A Shares or Common Stock, through direct buybacks or in open market transactions. All repurchases shown in the table above were made in the open market.
(b) At the end of the month shown.
The following table sets forth information with respect to our Class A Shares that we purchased under the Share Repurchase Agreements during 2014, and shares of our Common Stock that we repurchased during the period January 1, 2014 through February 6, 2015, including the shares shown in the preceding table:
Period | Class A Shares | Average price paid per share | Common Stock | Average price paid per share | ||||
First Quarter | 36,025,563 | $46.37 | 155,000 | $47.75 | ||||
Second Quarter | 9,277,287 | $49.04 | — | — | ||||
Third Quarter | 6,184,863 | 48.68 | 1,565,251 | $47.18 | ||||
Fourth Quarter | — | — | 5,864,834 | $44.12 | ||||
January 1, 2015 - February 6, 2015................ | — | — | 1,729,777 | 47.07 | ||||
Total.................................... | 51,487,713 | $47.13 | 9,314,862 | $45.24 |
Item 6. Selected Financial Data.
We have included selected financial data for calendar year 2014, the Stub Period and our fiscal years 2010 through 2013 under “Five Year Comparison,” in the financial information that is included in this report in Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” This information is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
The Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations listed in the Financial Table of Contents included in this report is incorporated herein by reference.
40
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.
We have included a discussion about market risks under “Market Risk” in the Management’s Analysis that is included in this report in Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”. This information is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Our Consolidated Financial Statements, the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, the report of our Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, and the information under “Quarterly Results” listed in the Financial Table of Contents included in this report are incorporated herein by reference. All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulation of the SEC are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable, and therefore, have been omitted.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosures.
None.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.
(a) | Disclosure Controls and Procedures |
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our filings under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) is (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and (ii) accumulated and communicated to management, including our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. Our management, with the participation of our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer have concluded, based on such evaluations, that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective for the purpose for which they were designed as of the end of such period.
(b) | Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting |
We have included management’s report on internal control over financial reporting under “Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting” listed in the Financial Table of Contents included in this report.
We have included our registered public accounting firm’s attestation report on our internal controls over financial reporting under “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” listed in the Financial Table of Contents included in this report.
This information is incorporated herein by reference.
(c) | Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting |
Our management, with the participation of our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer, have evaluated any change in internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2014 in accordance with the requirements of Rule 13a-15(d) promulgated by the SEC under the Exchange Act. There were no changes in internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with management’s evaluation that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2014 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Item 9B. Other Information.
None.
41
PART III.
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.
The information contained under the headings “Proposal No. 1—Election of Directors,” “Corporate Governance—Committees of the Board of Directors,” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” included in our definitive proxy statement for our 2015 annual meeting of stockholders and the information contained under “Executive Officers of the Registrant” in Part I, Item 1, “Business,” in this report is incorporated herein by reference.
We have a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics within the meaning of Item 406 of Regulation S-K adopted by the SEC under the Exchange Act that applies to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer. Our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is available on Mosaic’s website (www.mosaicco.com), and we intend to satisfy the disclosure requirement under Item 5.05 of Form 8-K regarding any amendment to, or waiver from, a provision of our code of ethics by posting such information on our website. The information contained on Mosaic’s website is not being incorporated herein.
Item 11. Executive Compensation.
The information under the headings “Director Compensation”, “Executive Compensation”, and “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” included in our definitive proxy statement for our 2015 annual meeting of stockholders is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.
The information under the headings “Beneficial Ownership of Securities” and “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” included in our definitive proxy statement for our 2015 annual meeting of stockholders is incorporated herein by reference. The table set forth in Part II, Item 5, “Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities,” of this report is also incorporated herein by reference.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.
The information under the headings “Corporate Governance—Board Independence,” “Corporate Governance—Committees of the Board of Directors,” “Corporate Governance—Other Policies Relating to the Board of Directors—Policy and Procedures Regarding Transactions with Related Persons,” and “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” included in our definitive proxy statement for our 2015 annual meeting of stockholders is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services.
The information included under “Audit Committee Report and Payment of Fees to Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm—Fees Paid to Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” and “Audit Committee Report and Payment of Fees to Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm—Pre-approval of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Services” included in our definitive proxy statement for our 2015 annual meeting of stockholders is incorporated herein by reference.
42
PART IV.
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.
(a) | (1) | Consolidated Financial Statements filed as part of this report are listed in the Financial Table of Contents included in this report and incorporated by reference in this report in Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” |
(2) | All schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the SEC are listed in this report in Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” | |
(3) | Reference is made to the Exhibit Index beginning on page E-1 hereof. | |
(b) | Exhibits | |
Reference is made to the Exhibit Index beginning on page E-1 hereof. | ||
(c) | Summarized financial information of 50% or less owned persons is included in Note 9 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Financial statements and schedules are omitted as none of such persons are significant under the tests specified in Regulation S-X under Article 3.09 of general instructions to the financial statements. |
*********************************************
43
*********************************************
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
THE MOSAIC COMPANY |
(Registrant) |
/s/ James T. Prokopanko |
James T. Prokopanko |
Chief Executive Officer and President |
Date: February 17, 2015
S-1
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
Name | Title | Date | ||
/s/ James T. Prokopanko | Chief Executive Officer and President and Director (principal executive officer) | February 17, 2015 | ||
James T. Prokopanko | ||||
/s/ Richard L. Mack | Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer) | February 17, 2015 | ||
Richard L. Mack | ||||
/s/ Anthony T. Brausen | Senior Vice President—Finance and Chief Accounting Officer (principal accounting officer) | February 17, 2015 | ||
Anthony T. Brausen | ||||
* | Chairman of the Board of Directors | February 17, 2015 | ||
Robert L. Lumpkins | ||||
* | Director | February 17, 2015 | ||
Nancy E. Cooper | ||||
* | Director | February 17, 2015 | ||
Gregory L. Ebel | ||||
* | Director | February 17, 2015 | ||
Timothy S. Gitzel | ||||
* | Director | February 17, 2015 | ||
William R. Graber | ||||
* | Director | February 17, 2015 | ||
Denise C. Johnson | ||||
* | Director | February 17, 2015 | ||
Emery N. Koenig | ||||
* | Director | February 17, 2015 | ||
William T. Monahan | ||||
* | Director | February 17, 2015 | ||
James L. Popowich | ||||
* | Director | February 17, 2015 | ||
David T. Seaton | ||||
* | Director | February 17, 2015 | ||
Steven M. Seibert |
*By: | ||
/s/ Richard L. Mack | ||
Richard L. Mack Attorney-in-Fact |
S-2
Exhibit Index
Exhibit No. | Description | Incorporated Herein by Reference to | Filed with Electronic Submission | |||
2.i. | Agreement and Plan of Merger and Contribution, dated as of January 26, 2004, by and among IMC Global Inc. (now known as Mosaic Global Holdings Inc.), Global Nutrition Solutions, Inc. (now known as MOS Holdings Inc. (“MOS Holdings”)), GNS Acquisition Corp., Cargill, Incorporated (“Cargill”) and Cargill Fertilizer, Inc., as amended by Amendment No. 1 to Agreement and Plan of Merger and Contribution, dated as of June 15, 2004, and as further amended by Amendment No. 2 to Agreement and Plan of Merger and Contribution, dated as of October 18, 2004* | Exhibit 2.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Mosaic dated October 22, 2004, and filed on October 28, 2004** | ||||
2.ii | Form of Merger and Distribution Agreement, dated January 18, 2011, by and among MOS Holdings Inc., Cargill, The Mosaic Company (“Mosaic,” formerly known as GNS II (U.S.) Corp. (“GNS”), GNS Merger Sub LLC, and, for the limited purposes set forth therein, the Margaret A. Cargill Foundation, the Acorn Trust, the Lilac Trust and the Anne Ray Charitable Trust* | Annex A to the proxy statement/prospectus forming a part of the Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed by GNS pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) of the Securities Act on April 11, 2011*** | ||||
2.iii. | Form of Tax Agreement, dated January 18, 2011, by and among MOS Holdings, Mosaic, and Cargill (the "Tax Agreement") | Annex F to the proxy statement/prospectus forming a part of the Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed by GNS on February 4, 2011*** | ||||
2.iv. | Amendment, dated May 24, 2011, to Tax Agreement | Exhibit 2.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K12B of Mosaic dated May 24, 2011 and filed on May 25, 2011** | ||||
2.v. | Form of Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of October 28, 2013, among CF Industries Holdings, Inc., CF Industries, Inc. and The Mosaic Company* | Exhibit 2.i. to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Mosaic dated October 28, 2013 and filed on October 29, 2013** | ||||
3.i. | Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Mosaic | X | ||||
3.ii. | Amended and Restated Bylaws of Mosaic, effective May 15, 2014 | Exhibit 3.ii to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Fiscal Quarter ended June 30, 2014** | ||||
4.ii. | Indenture dated as of October 24, 2011, between Mosaic and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee | Exhibit 4.i. to Mosaic’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 24, 2011 and filed on October 24, 2011** | ||||
4.iii. | Registrant hereby agrees to furnish to the Commission, upon request, all other instruments defining the rights of holders of each issue of long-term debt of the Registrant and its consolidated subsidiaries | |||||
10.i.(a). | MAC Trusts Share Repurchase Agreement dated December 6, 2013 | Exhibit 10.i. to Mosaic’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 5, 2013 and filed on December 10, 2013** | ||||
10.i.(b). | Form of Family Trusts Share Repurchase Agreements dated February 14, 2014 | Exhibit 10.i.(b) to the Transition Report on Form 10-K of Mosaic for the transition period from June 1, 2013 to December 31, 2013** | ||||
E-1
Exhibit No. | Description | Incorporated Herein by Reference to | Filed with Electronic Submission | |||
10.iii.a.**** | The Mosaic Company 2004 Omnibus Stock and Incentive Plan (the “Omnibus Incentive Plan”), as amended October 8, 2009 | Appendix A to the Proxy Statement of The Mosaic Company dated August 25, 2009** | ||||
10.iii.b.**** | Description of Executive Physical Program | Fourth Paragraph of Item 1.01 of the Current Report on Form 8-K of Mosaic dated May 26, 2005, and filed on June 1, 2005** | ||||
10.iii.c.**** | Description of Mosaic Management Incentive Program | X | ||||
10.iii.d.**** | Form of Employee Non-Qualified Stock Option under the Omnibus Incentive Plan, effective August 1, 2005 | Exhibit 99.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Mosaic dated August 2, 2006, and filed on August 2, 2006** | ||||
10.iii.e.**** | Summary of Board of Director Compensation of Mosaic | X | ||||
10.iii.f.**** | Form of Employee Non-Qualified Stock Option under the Omnibus Incentive Plan, approved July 6, 2006 | Exhibit 99.3. to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Mosaic dated August 2, 2006, and filed on August 2, 2006** | ||||
10.iii.g.**** | Form of Employee Non-Qualified Stock Option under the Omnibus Incentive Plan, approved July 30, 2008 | Exhibit 10.iii.a. to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Mosaic for the Quarterly Period ended August 31, 2008** | ||||
10.iii.h.**** | Form of Indemnification Agreement between Mosaic and its directors and executive officers | Exhibit 10.iii. to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Mosaic dated October 8, 2008, and filed on October 14, 2008** | ||||
10.iii.i.**** | Form of Mosaic Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended and restated effective October 9, 2008 | Exhibit 10.iii.b. to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Mosaic for the Quarterly Period ended November 30, 2008** | ||||
10.iii.j.**** | Form of Director Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the Omnibus Incentive Plan, approved October 9, 2008 | Exhibit 10.iii.c. to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Mosaic for the Quarterly Period ended November 30, 2008** | ||||
10.iii.k.**** | Description of Executive Financial Planning Program, as amended effective January 1, 2009 | Exhibit 10.iii.a. to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Mosaic for the Quarterly Period ended February 28, 2009** | ||||
10.iii.l.**** | Form of Senior Management Severance and Change in Control Agreement, effective April 1, 2014 | Exhibit 10.iii.e to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarterly Period ended March 31, 2014** | ||||
10.iii.m.**** | Form of Amendment dated April 13, 2011, to the Mosaic Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended and restated effective October 9, 2008 | Exhibit 10.iii.r. to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Mosaic for the Fiscal Year ended May 31, 2011** | ||||
10.iii.n.**** | Form of Amendment dated May 11, 2011, to the Omnibus Incentive Plan | Exhibit 10.iii.u. to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Mosaic for the Fiscal Year ended May 31, 2011** | ||||
10.iii.o.**** | Form of Employee Nonqualified Stock Option under the Omnibus Incentive Plan, approved July 20, 2011 | Exhibit 10.iii.b. to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Mosaic for the Quarterly Period ended August 31, 2011** | ||||
E-2
Exhibit No. | Description | Incorporated Herein by Reference to | Filed with Electronic Submission | |||
10.iii.p.**** | Form of Employee Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the Omnibus Incentive Plan, approved July 20, 2011 | Exhibit 10.iii.c. to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Mosaic for the Quarterly Period ended August 31, 2011** | ||||
10.iii.q.**** | Summary of executive life and disability plans | The material under “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Elements of Compensation—Executive Life and Disability Plans” in the Proxy Statement of Mosaic dated April 2, 2014** | ||||
10.iii.r.**** | Form of Performance Unit Agreement under the Omnibus Incentive Plan, approved July 18, 2012 | Exhibit 10.iii.a. to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Mosaic for the Quarterly Period ended August 31, 2012** | ||||
10.iii.s.**** | Form of Agreement between Cargill and Mosaic relating to certain former Cargill employees' participation in the Cargill International Pension Plan | Exhibit 10.iii.b. to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Mosaic for the Quarterly Period ended August 31, 2012** | ||||
10.iii.t.**** | Form of Supplemental Agreement between Mosaic and certain former participants in the Cargill International Pension Plan | Exhibit 10.iii.x. to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Mosaic for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2013** | ||||
10.iii.u.**** | Form of Employee Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under The Mosaic Company 2004 Omnibus Stock and Incentive Plan, approved July 17, 2013. | Exhibit 10.iii.a. to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Mosaic for the Quarterly Period ended September 30, 2013** | ||||
10.iii.v.**** | Form of Performance Unit Award Agreement under The Mosaic Company 2004 Omnibus Stock and Incentive Plan, approved July 17, 2013 | Exhibit 10.iii.b. to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Mosaic for the Quarterly Period ended September 30, 2013** | ||||
10.iii.w.**** | The Mosaic Company 2014 Stock and Incentive Plan | Appendix B to the Proxy Statement of The Mosaic company dated April 2, 2014** | ||||
10.iii.x.**** | Form of Employee Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under The Mosaic Company 2004 Omnibus Stock and Incentive Plan, approved March 17, 2014 | Exhibit 10.iii.a. to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Mosaic for the Quarterly Period ended March 31, 2014** | ||||
10.iii.y.**** | Form of Performance Unit Award Agreement under The Mosaic Company 2004 Omnibus Stock and Incentive Plan, approved March 17, 2014 | Exhibit 10.iii.b. to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Mosaic for the Quarterly Period ended March 31, 2014** | ||||
10.iii.z.**** | Description of amendment, effective March 17, 2014, to outstanding Employee Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreements approved on or after April 11, 2012 and prior to February 19, 2014 under The Mosaic Company 2004 Omnibus Stock and Incentive Plan | Exhibit 10.iii.c. to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Mosaic for the Quarterly Period ended March 31, 2014** | ||||
10.iii.aa.**** | Form of Performance Share Award Agreement under The Mosaic Company 2004 Omnibus Stock and Incentive Plan, approved March 27, 2014 | Exhibit 10.iii.d. to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Mosaic for the Quarterly Period ended March 31, 2014** | ||||
10.iii.bb.**** | Form of retention agreement dated May 29, 2014 from Mosaic to an executive officer | Exhibit 10.iii. to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Mosaic for the Quarterly Period ended June 30, 2014 | ||||
E-3
Exhibit No. | Description | Incorporated Herein by Reference to | Filed with Electronic Submission | |||
10.iv | Form of Equity Support, Subordination and Retention Agreement dated June 30, 2014 by Mosaic, Saudi Arabian Mining Company, Saudi Basic Industries Corporation, Mizuho Corporate Bank, Ltd., as Intercreditor Agent for certain Finance Parties, and Riyad Bank, London Branch, as Offshore Security Trustee and Agent for certain secured parties | Exhibit 10.i. to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Mosaic for the Quarterly Period ended June 30, 2014 | ||||
21 | Subsidiaries of the Registrant | X | ||||
23 | Consent of KPMG LLP, independent registered public accounting firm for Mosaic | X | ||||
24 | Power of Attorney | X | ||||
31.1 | Certification of Chief Executive Officer Required by Rule 13a-14(a) | X | ||||
31.2 | Certification of Chief Financial Officer Required by Rule 13a-14(a) | X | ||||
32.1 | Certification of Chief Executive Officer Required by Rule 13a-14(b) and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code | X | ||||
32.2 | Certification of Chief Financial Officer Required by Rule 13a-14(b) and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code | X | ||||
95 | Mine Safety Disclosures | X | ||||
101 | Interactive Data Files | X |
______________________________
* | Mosaic agrees to furnish supplementally to the Commission a copy of any omitted schedules and exhibits to the extent required by rules of the Commission upon request. |
** | SEC File No. 001-32327 |
*** | Registration Statement No. 333-172076 |
**** | Denotes management contract or compensatory plan. |
E-4
Financial Table of Contents
Page | |
F-1
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Introduction
The Mosaic Company (before or after the Cargill Transaction, as defined below, “Mosaic”, and with its consolidated subsidiaries, “we”, “us”, “our”, or the “Company”) is the parent company of the business that was formed through the business combination (“Combination”) of IMC Global Inc. and the Cargill Crop Nutrition fertilizer businesses of Cargill, Incorporated and its subsidiaries (collectively, “Cargill”) on October 22, 2004. In May 2011, Cargill divested its approximately 64% equity interest in us in the first of a series of transactions (collectively, the “Cargill Transaction”). Further information regarding this transaction is included in the Overview section of this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and in Note 2 of our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
We produce and market concentrated phosphate and potash crop nutrients. We conduct our business through wholly and majority owned subsidiaries as well as businesses in which we own less than a majority or a non-controlling interest, including consolidated variable interest entities and investments accounted for by the equity method. We are organized into the following business segments:
Our Phosphates business segment includes mines and production facilities in Florida which produce concentrated phosphate crop nutrients and phosphate-based animal feed ingredients, and processing plants in Louisiana which produce concentrated phosphate crop nutrients. Our Phosphates segment’s results also include our North American phosphate distribution activities and all of our international distribution activities. Additionally, the Phosphates segment has a 35% economic interest in a joint venture that owns a phosphate rock mine (the “Miski Mayo Mine”) in Peru and a 25% interest in Wa'ad Al Shamal Phosphate Company (the "Wa’ad Al Shamal Joint Venture"), to develop, own and operate integrated phosphate production facilities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for which we will market approximately 25% of the production.
Our Potash business segment owns and operates potash mines and production facilities in Canada and the U.S. which produce potash-based crop nutrients, animal feed ingredients and industrial products. Potash sales include domestic and international sales. We are a member of Canpotex, Limited (“Canpotex”), an export association of Canadian potash producers through which we sell our Canadian potash outside of the U.S. and Canada. Effective January 1, 2015, our share of Canpotex sales increased to 40.6%, as a result of a proving run of our expansion of our Colonsay mine, which was successfully completed in 2014.
As previously reported, in 2013 we changed our fiscal year end to December 31 from May 31. We are presenting our results of operations for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014, the seven-month transition period of June 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013 (the “Stub Period”) and the fiscal years ended May 31, 2013 and 2012. For comparison purposes, unaudited data is shown for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013 and the seven months ended December 31, 2012.
Key Factors that can Affect Results of Operations and Financial Condition
Our primary products, phosphate and potash crop nutrients, are, to a large extent, global commodities that are also available from a number of domestic and international competitors, and are sold by negotiated contracts or by reference to published market prices. The markets for our products are highly competitive, and the most important competitive factor for our products is delivered price. Business and economic conditions and governmental policies affecting the agricultural industry and customer sentiment are the most significant factors affecting worldwide demand for crop nutrients. The profitability of our businesses is heavily influenced by worldwide supply and demand for our products, which affects our sales prices and volumes. Our costs per tonne to produce our products are also heavily influenced by fixed costs associated with owning and operating our major facilities and by significant raw material costs in our Phosphates business.
Our products are generally sold based on the market prices prevailing at the time the sales contract is signed or through contracts which are priced at the time of shipment based on a formula. Additionally, in certain circumstances the final price of our products is determined after shipment based on the current market at the time the price is agreed to with the customer. Forward sales programs at fixed prices increase the lag between prevailing market prices and our average realized selling prices. The mix and parameters of these sales programs vary over time based on our marketing strategy, which considers factors that include, among others, optimizing our production and operating efficiency within warehouse limitations, as well as customer requirements. The use of forward sales programs and level of customer prepayments may vary from period to period due to changing supply and demand environments and market sentiments.
World prices for the key raw material inputs for concentrated phosphate products, including ammonia, sulfur and phosphate rock, have an effect on industry-wide phosphate prices and costs. The primary feedstock for producing ammonia is natural gas, and costs for ammonia are generally highly dependent on the supply and demand balance for ammonia. We believe the natural gas based pricing under one of the ammonia supply agreements we entered into with CF Industries, Inc. (“CF”) will provide us a competitive advantage starting in 2017. Sulfur is a global commodity that is primarily produced as a co-product of oil
F-2
refining, where the market price is based primarily on the supply and demand balance for sulfur. We believe our current and future investments in sulfur transformation and transportation assets will enhance our competitive advantage. We produce most of our phosphate rock requirements through either wholly or partly owned mines.
Our per tonne selling prices for potash are affected by shifts in the product mix, geography and customer mix. Our Potash business is significantly affected by Canadian resource taxes and royalties that we pay to the Province of Saskatchewan in order for us to mine and sell our potash products. In addition, cost of goods sold is affected by the level of periodic inflationary pressures on resources, such as labor, processing materials and construction costs, due to the rate of economic growth in western Canada where we produce most of our potash; natural gas costs for operating our potash solution mine at Belle Plaine, Saskatchewan; and the operating costs we incur to manage salt saturated brine inflows at our potash mine at Esterhazy, Saskatchewan which are affected by changes in the amount and pattern of the inflows, among other factors. We also incur capital costs to manage the brine inflows at Esterhazy.
We manage brine inflows at Esterhazy through a number of methods, primarily by reducing or preventing particular sources of brine inflow by locating the point of entry through the use of various technologies, including 3D seismic surveys, injecting calcium chloride into the targeted areas from surface, and grouting targeted areas from underground. We also pump brine out of the mine, which we impound in surface storage areas and dispose of by injecting it below the surface through the use of injection wells. Excess brine is also stored in mined-out areas of the mine, and the level of this stored brine fluctuates, from time to time, depending on the net inflow or net outflow rate. To date, our brine inflow and remediation efforts have not had a material impact on our production processes or volumes. In recent years, we have been investing in additional capacity and technology to manage the brine inflows. For example, we have significantly expanded our pumping capacity at Esterhazy in the last several years, introduced horizontal drilling capabilities, and have added brine injection capacity at a site that is remote from our current mine workings. These efforts allow us to be more disciplined and efficient in our approach to managing the brine inflow.
Our results of operations are also affected by changes in currency exchange rates due to our international footprint. The most significant currency impacts are generally from the Canadian dollar and the Brazilian real.
A discussion of these and other factors that affected our results of operations and financial condition for the periods covered by this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is set forth in further detail below. This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations should also be read in conjunction with the narrative description of our business in Item 1, and the risk factors described in Item 1A, of Part I of this annual report on Form 10-K, and our Consolidated Financial Statements, accompanying notes and other information listed in the accompanying Financial Table of Contents.
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 that we mean short or long ton(s) which are the equivalent of 2,000 pounds and 2,240 pounds, respectively. References to a particular fiscal year are to the twelve months ended May 31 of that year. In the following table, there are certain percentages that are not considered to be meaningful and are represented by “NM”.
F-3
Results of Operations
The following table shows the results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the seven months ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, and the fiscal years ended May 31, 2013 and 2012:
Years Ended December 31, | 2014-2013 | Seven Months Ended December 31, | Years Ended May 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(in millions, except per share data) | 2014 | 2013 (unaudited) | Change | Percent | 2013 | 2012 (unaudited) | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Net sales | $ | 9,055.8 | $ | 9,021.4 | $ | 34.4 | — | % | $ | 4,765.9 | $ | 5,700.0 | $ | 9,974.1 | $ | 11,107.8 | ||||||||||||||
Cost of goods sold | 7,129.2 | 7,006.0 | 123.2 | 2 | % | 3,937.6 | 4,126.9 | 7,213.9 | 8,022.8 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Gross margin | 1,926.6 | 2,015.4 | (88.8 | ) | (4 | )% | 828.3 | 1,573.1 | 2,760.2 | 3,085.0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Gross margin percentage | 21.3 | % | 22.3 | % | 17.4 | % | 27.6 | % | 27.7 | % | 27.8 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses | 382.4 | 393.5 | (11.1 | ) | (3 | )% | 211.8 | 245.6 | 427.3 | 410.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
(Gain) loss on assets sold and to be sold | (16.4 | ) | 122.8 | (139.2 | ) | (113 | )% | 122.8 | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||
Carlsbad restructuring expense | 125.4 | — | 125.4 | NM | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Other operating expenses | 123.4 | 159.2 | (35.8 | ) | (22 | )% | 76.8 | 40.8 | 123.3 | 63.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Operating earnings | 1,311.8 | 1,339.9 | (28.1 | ) | (2 | )% | 416.9 | 1,286.7 | 2,209.6 | 2,611.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
(Loss) gain in value of share repurchase agreement | (60.2 | ) | 73.2 | (133.4 | ) | (182 | )% | 73.2 | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||
Interest (expense) income, net | (107.6 | ) | (6.1 | ) | (101.5 | ) | NM | (13.3 | ) | 11.5 | 18.8 | 18.7 | ||||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency transaction gain (loss) | 79.1 | 34.7 | 44.4 | 128 | % | 16.5 | (34.2 | ) | (15.9 | ) | 16.9 | |||||||||||||||||||
Other (expense) income | (5.8 | ) | (6.6 | ) | 0.8 | (12 | )% | (9.1 | ) | (0.4 | ) | 2.0 | (17.8 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Earnings from consolidated companies before income taxes | 1,217.3 | 1,435.1 | (217.8 | ) | (15 | )% | 484.2 | 1,263.6 | 2,214.5 | 2,628.9 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Provision for income taxes | 184.7 | 384.6 | (199.9 | ) | (52 | )% | 152.6 | 109.0 | 341.0 | 711.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Earnings from consolidated companies | 1,032.6 | 1,050.5 | (17.9 | ) | (2 | )% | 331.6 | 1,154.6 | 1,873.5 | 1,917.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Equity in net earnings (loss) of nonconsolidated companies | (2.2 | ) | 14.8 | (17.0 | ) | (115 | )% | 10.9 | 14.3 | 18.3 | 13.3 | |||||||||||||||||||
Net earnings including noncontrolling interests | 1,030.4 | 1,065.3 | (34.9 | ) | (3 | )% | 342.5 | 1,168.9 | 1,891.8 | 1,930.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Less: Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests | 1.8 | 2.4 | (0.6 | ) | (25 | )% | 2.5 | 3.2 | 3.1 | 0.6 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net earnings attributable to Mosaic | $ | 1,028.6 | $ | 1,062.9 | $ | (34.3 | ) | (3 | )% | $ | 340.0 | $ | 1,165.7 | $ | 1,888.7 | $ | 1,930.2 | |||||||||||||
Diluted net earnings per share attributable to Mosaic | $ | 2.68 | $ | 2.49 | $ | 0.19 | 8 | % | $ | 0.80 | $ | 2.73 | $ | 4.42 | $ | 4.42 | ||||||||||||||
Diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding | 375.6 | 424.1 | 422.0 | 426.8 | 426.9 | 436.5 |
F-4
Overview of the Year ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 (unaudited), Seven Months ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 (unaudited) and Fiscal 2013 and 2012
Net earnings attributable to Mosaic for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were $1.0 billion, or $2.68 per diluted share, and $1.1 billion, or $2.49 per diluted share, respectively. Our earnings per share were positively impacted by an approximate 10% lower weighted average number of shares in the current year. Included in 2014 net earnings is a charge of $60 million, or $0.16 per diluted share, related to the change in value of our share repurchase agreements with certain Cargill family member trusts and the MAC Trusts (“Share Repurchase Agreements”), pre-tax charges of $125 million, or $0.19 per diluted share, related to the discontinuance of MOP production at our Carlsbad, New Mexico mine, and discrete income tax benefits of approximately $152 million, or $0.40 per diluted share, which were primarily related to the acquisition of Archer Daniels Midland Company's ("ADM") fertilizer distribution business in Brazil and Paraguay (the "ADM Acquisition") and the sale of our distribution business in Argentina.
Net earnings attributable to Mosaic for the seven months ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 were $340.0 million, or $0.80 per diluted share, and $1.2 billion, or $2.73 per diluted share, respectively. Included in net earnings for the seven months ended December 31, 2013, was $122.8 million, or $0.19 per diluted share, related to the write-down of assets in our Argentina distribution business and our Hersey, Michigan potash business and the write-off of engineering costs of a formerly planned ammonia plant. Net earnings for the 2013 Stub Period also included a gain of $73.2 million, or $0.17 per diluted share, related to change in value of our share repurchase agreement and a discrete income tax expense of approximately $105 million, or $0.24 per diluted share.
Net earnings attributable to Mosaic for each of fiscal 2013 and 2012 were $1.9 billion, or $4.42 per diluted share. Included in fiscal 2013 net earnings is a discrete income tax benefit of approximately $180 million, or $0.42 per diluted share, related to the resolution of certain tax matters and resulting in a lower overall effective tax rate.
The more significant factors that affected our results of operations and financial condition in 2014, the seven months ended December 31, 2013 and fiscal 2013 and 2012 are listed below. 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.
Year ended December 31, 2014
Operating earnings for the year ended December 31, 2014, reflected net costs of approximately $109 million related to improving utilization of our asset base, including our decision to permanently discontinue production of MOP at our Carlsbad, New Mexico facility, sell our Hersey salt operations and exit our distribution businesses in Argentina and Chile, compared to $122.8 million for charges as described above for the year ended December 31, 2013.
Operating earnings were favorably impacted by Phosphates sales volumes which were 12.6 million tonnes in 2014 compared to 11.7 million tonnes in 2013. On March 17, 2014, we completed the acquisition of the Florida phosphate assets and assumption of certain liabilities (the "CF Phosphate Assets Acquisition") of CF Industries, Inc. ("CF"). The increase in sales volumes from the prior year was primarily due to more tonnes available from the CF Phosphate Assets Acquisition. Lower raw material costs also favorably impacted operating earnings in 2014 compared to 2013.
Potash sales volumes were 9.0 million tonnes in the current year compared to 7.7 million tonnes in the prior year as we experienced an increase in demand in 2014 compared to 2013. In 2013, Potash sales volumes were constrained by sentiments in the market driving customers to purchase fertilizer only as needed, combined with delayed purchases in anticipation of the signing of supply contracts in China. Despite strong demand, and the fact that potash selling prices grew stronger each quarter in 2014, potash selling prices have not recovered to the price levels seen in the first half of 2013. Potash selling prices began to decrease in 2013 due to uncertainty in the potash market and weak customer sentiment, which was exacerbated in July 2013, when one of our global competitors announced its intention to increase production volumes and corresponding sales volumes.
Other highlights in the year ended December 31, 2014:
We generated $2.3 billion in cash flows from operations for the year ended December 31, 2014. We maintained cash and cash equivalents of $2.4 billion as of December 31, 2014 compared to $5.3 billion as of December 31, 2013.
During the year ended December 31, 2014, we took the following steps toward achieving our strategic priorities:
• | Growth: Grow our production of essential crop nutrients and operate with increasing efficiency |
• | On March 17, 2014, we completed the CF Phosphate Assets Acquisition and have included the results in our consolidated financial statements from that date. We have successfully integrated CF operations into our phosphates operations as planned and are on track to realize targeted synergies. |
F-5
• | On June 30, 2014, the Wa’ad Al Shamal Joint Venture entered into funding facilities with a consortium of 20 financial institutions for a total amount of $5.0 billion. We estimate the cost to develop and construct the integrated phosphate production facilities will approximate $7.5 billion, which we expect to be funded through external funding facilities, including the ones mentioned above, and investments by the joint venture members. For further information see “Liquidity and Capital Resources” below and Note 9 to our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. |
• | The expansion in our Colonsay mine was completed and added an additional 0.6 million tonnes of operational capacity. |
• | We continued the expansion of capacity in our Potash segment, with the K3 shafts at our Esterhazy mine, which are on track to start producing ore in 2017 and are expected to add an estimated 0.9 million tonnes to our potash operational capacity. In December 2014, our Board approved approximately $1.5 billion in capital expenditures over the next ten years to increase the mining capacity of the K3 shafts and provide for an infrastructure to move rock from K3 to the K1 and K2 mills. This would provide us the flexibility to optimize production at K1, K2 and K3 in order to mitigate risk from current and future brine inflows. |
• | Market Access: Expand our reach and impact by continuously strengthening our distribution network |
• | On December 17, 2014, we completed the ADM Acquisition for approximately $350 million, including approximately $150 million in working capital. This acquisition is expected to significantly accelerate our previously announced growth plans in Brazil, as well as replace a substantial amount of planned internal investments in that country. Under the terms of the agreements, we acquired four blending and warehousing facilities in Brazil, one in Paraguay and additional warehousing and logistics service capabilities. This acquisition will increase our annual distribution capacity in the region from approximately four million metric tonnes to about six million metric tonnes of crop nutrients. |
The parties have also negotiated the terms of five-year fertilizer supply agreements where we will supply ADM's fertilizer needs in Brazil and Paraguay.
We expect these and other potential investments in Brazil will enable us to grow our share of sales in this key country.
• | Innovation: Build on our industry-leading products, process and sustainability innovations |
• | Mosaic announced plans to expand MicroEssentials® capacity, adding an incremental 1.2 million tonnes, and bringing total capacity to 3.5 million tonnes by 2017. North American sales volumes of our MicroEssentials® product increased approximately 14% in the year ended December 31, 2014 from 2013, contributing to a new Mosaic record for sales of MicroEssentials®. |
• | Total Shareholder Return: Deliver strong financial performance and provide meaningful returns to our shareholders |
• | Our Board of Directors authorized a $1 billion share repurchase program (the "Repurchase Program"), allowing the Company to repurchase Class A Shares or Common Stock, through negotiated direct transactions or in the open market. During 2014, under the Repurchase Program, 8,193,698 Class A Shares were repurchased under agreements with certain Cargill family member trusts and 7,585,085 shares of Common Stock were repurchased in the open market for an aggregate of $727.3 million. |
• | We repurchased an additional 43.3 million Class A Shares, Series A-2 and A-3 under a share repurchase agreement (the “MAC Trusts Share Repurchase Agreement”) with two former Cargill stockholders (the “MAC Trusts”) for approximately $2.0 billion. |
• | We continue to focus on our lowest cost Potash mines; therefore, we permanently discontinued production of MOP at our Carlsbad, New Mexico facility, as announced on July 23, 2014. The final date for production was December 28, 2014. The discontinued production resulted in total pre-tax charges of approximately $125.4 million, primarily in the form of non-cash accelerated depreciation and depletion charges and cash severance charges. We recorded a corresponding tax benefit of approximately $52 million. We are transitioning the Carlsbad facility to exclusive production of our highly valued K-Mag® product line. |
• | On July 29, 2014, we completed the sale of the salt operations at our Hersey, Michigan mine for approximately $55 million, resulting in a pre-tax gain of approximately $13.5 million. |
• | On November 18, 2014, we completed the sale of our Argentina assets and recorded a pre-tax gain of approximately $8.5 million. This will allow us to focus on our more profitable components of our distribution network. |
F-6
Seven months ended December 31, 2013
Operating earnings for the seven months ended December 31, 2013 were impacted by lower phosphate and potash selling prices compared to the seven months ended December 31, 2012.
Potash selling prices declined from 2012 levels due to supply and demand fundamentals and uncertainty in the potash market as described above. At the beginning of the Stub Period, Potash sales volumes were constrained by negative sentiments and cautious purchasing behavior by customers in the market; however, the demand improved in the fourth quarter of calendar 2013 with a strong fall application.
Our average selling price for phosphates declined from 2012 levels, due in part to softer demand caused by higher producer inventories, a decline in India’s import demand and Chinese export policies. However, prices hit a floor during the latter part of calendar 2013 and we saw prices begin to rise in December 2013. The decrease in the average selling price was partially offset by lower raw material costs, including sulfur, ammonia and phosphate rock, for our phosphates products. Phosphates sales volumes for the seven months ended December 31, 2013 were higher than the same period in the prior year, due to higher domestic sales volumes driven by a strong fall application season in North America, strong demand in Brazil and customers taking position when prices started rising in December 2013 after a steady decline in prices over calendar 2013.
On August 5, 2013, we entered into a shareholders' agreement to form the Wa’ad Al Shamal Joint Venture.
On November 7, 2013, we completed a $2.0 billion public debt offering consisting of $900 million aggregate principal amount of 4.250% Senior Notes due 2023, $500 million aggregate principal amount of 5.450% Senior Notes due 2033, and $600 million aggregate principal amount of 5.625% Senior Notes due 2043.
On December 5, 2013, we upsized and extended our prior $750 million unsecured revolving credit facility with a new unsecured five-year revolving credit facility in the amount of $1.5 billion.
On December 6, 2013, we entered into the MAC Trusts Share Repurchase Agreement with the MAC Trusts to purchase all of the remaining Class A Shares held by the MAC Trusts.
We generated $889.4 million in cash flows from operations for the seven months ended December 31, 2013 and maintained cash and cash equivalents of $5.3 billion as of December 31, 2013.
Fiscal 2013
In fiscal 2013, average Potash selling prices were lower than the prior year primarily due to cautious customer purchasing behavior leading up to the signing of significant supply contracts with customers in both China and India in the third quarter of fiscal 2013. The impact of lower selling prices was more than offset by higher Potash sales volumes compared to the prior year. North American sales volumes increased in the second half of fiscal 2013 compared to fiscal 2012 primarily due to robust spring demand and continuing strong farmer economics. Our international potash sales through Canpotex also increased in the second half of fiscal 2013 due to an increase in our allocation of annual sales by Canpotex combined with the signing of supply contracts with India and China mentioned above. Additionally, Potash sales volumes in fiscal 2012 were constrained by high pipeline inventories and the related impact on buyer sentiment.
Average Phosphates selling prices were lower than fiscal 2012. Phosphate fertilizer prices remained below those in fiscal 2012 due to a market recalibration that occurred in the third quarter of that year. Phosphate sales volumes decreased from fiscal 2012 due primarily to lack of product availability as a result of entering fiscal 2013 with lower inventory levels and lower shipments to India.
Lower raw material costs, including sulfur, ammonia and phosphate rock, partially offset the decrease in selling prices for our phosphates products. The lower costs for ammonia were the result of internal production of ammonia at our Faustina ammonia facility which was operating near full capacity in fiscal 2013, but was temporarily shut down during the first half of fiscal 2012 due to an unplanned outage. The lower phosphate rock costs were due to increased production from our South Fort Meade mine in fiscal 2013 compared to fiscal 2012 when it operated on a limited basis because of preliminary injunctions relating to the extension of our South Fort Meade, Florida, phosphate rock mine into Hardee County.
Beginning with the dividend paid in August 2012, we increased our annual dividend 100% to $1.00 per share, from the level of $0.50 per share announced in February 2012. Dividend payments were $426.6 million in fiscal 2013.
We ended our obligation to supply potash from our Esterhazy mine under a tolling agreement (the “Tolling Agreement”) at the end of calendar 2012. Under the Tolling Agreement, we had been delivering up to 1.1 million tonnes of potash per year.
F-7
On January 30, 2013, we entered into agreements to settle certain lawsuits against us under federal and state antitrust laws (the “Potash Antitrust Cases”) for an aggregate of $43.8 million. The settlement and related costs resulted in a pre-tax charge of $42 million, or $0.07 per diluted share, in the third quarter of fiscal 2013, and total pre-tax charges for fiscal 2013 of $51 million, or $0.09 per diluted share, included in other operating expenses.
We generated $1.9 billion in cash flows from operations in fiscal 2013 and maintained cash and cash equivalents of $3.7 billion as of May 31, 2013.
Fiscal 2012
In fiscal 2012, the average Phosphates and Potash selling prices were higher than fiscal 2011 as a result of stronger farmer economics and increased grain prices, particularly corn. Beginning in fiscal 2011, Phosphate selling prices increased steadily throughout the year and the increases continued through the first half of fiscal 2012. In the second half of fiscal 2012, we saw lower average selling prices due to a market recalibration that occurred in the third quarter. However, in the latter part of fiscal 2012 and early in fiscal 2013 Phosphate selling prices increased but remained below levels of the first half of fiscal 2012. The average Potash selling price increased early in fiscal 2012 and remained within a fairly narrow range for the remainder of the year.
Phosphate sales volumes remained relatively flat from the prior year. Fiscal 2012 started with high phosphate producer inventory levels. The high phosphate producer inventory levels were reduced by the end of fiscal 2012 to low levels as a result of an extended North American spring application period, elevated global demand and modest production curtailments from January through March 2012. Potash sales volumes decreased compared to the prior year due to cautious customer purchasing behavior in North America. Potash producer inventory levels were low entering fiscal 2012. These potash producer inventory levels increased throughout fiscal 2012 and ended at relatively high levels.
Higher raw material costs more than offset the benefit from the increase in selling prices for our phosphate products. The higher prices for our key raw materials for concentrated phosphates, primarily sulfur and ammonia, resulted from higher global demand and tighter supply for these raw materials in fiscal 2012 compared to the prior year. In addition, because our South Fort Meade mine was operating on a limited basis, we increased our use of phosphate rock purchased from third parties in our production of crop nutrients, contributing to increased raw material costs.
On February 21, 2012, we announced that we had entered into a settlement (the “Hardee County Extension Permit Litigation Settlement”) that resolved in their entirety the pending court proceedings over the federal wetlands permit for the extension of our South Fort Meade, Florida, phosphate rock mine into Hardee County and allowed mining at the South Fort Meade mine to proceed. The settlement resulted in a pre-tax charge of approximately $13 million included in other operating expenses. We received final court approval of the settlement on March 28, 2012.
On October 24, 2011, we completed a $750 million public debt offering consisting of $450 million aggregate principal amount of 3.750% Senior Notes due 2021 and $300 million aggregate principal amount of 4.875% Senior Notes due 2041 (collectively, the “Senior Notes of 2011”). On December 1, 2011, we redeemed the remaining $469.3 million aggregate principal amount of the 7-5/8% Senior Notes due December 2016 (the “7-5/8% Senior Notes”) of our subsidiary, MOS Holdings Inc. We recorded a pre-tax charge of approximately $20 million in other expense, primarily related to the call premium.
On November 17, 2011, we purchased an aggregate 21.3 million shares of our Class A Common Stock, Series A-4 from the MAC Trusts. The purchase price was $54.58 per share, the closing price for our common Stock on November 16, 2011, resulting in a total purchase price of $1.2 billion.
On September 23, 2011, Standard and Poor’s included us in the S&P 500 index and on September 29, 2011, we completed an underwritten secondary public offering by the MAC Trusts of 20.7 million shares of our Common Stock that the MAC Trusts acquired in the Cargill Transaction.
We generated a fiscal record of $2.7 billion in cash flows from operations in fiscal 2012 and maintained cash and cash equivalents of $3.8 billion as of May 31, 2012.
F-8
Phosphates Net Sales and Gross Margin
The following table summarizes Phosphates net sales, gross margin, sales volumes and certain other information:
Years Ended December 31, | 2014-2013 | Seven Months Ended December 31, | Years Ended May 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(in millions, except price per tonne or unit) | 2014 | 2013 (unaudited) | Change | Percent | 2013 | 2012 (unaudited) | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Net sales: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
North America | $ | 2,632.9 | $ | 2,275.9 | $ | 357.0 | 15.7 | % | $ | 1,275.4 | $ | 1,440.2 | $ | 2,467.9 | $ | 2,553.0 | ||||||||||||||
International | 3,561.1 | 3,845.7 | (284.6 | ) | (7.4 | )% | 2,162.8 | 2,371.1 | 4,026.7 | 5,286.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 6,194.0 | 6,121.6 | 72.4 | 1.2 | % | 3,438.2 | 3,811.3 | 6,494.6 | 7,839.2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of goods sold | 5,122.8 | 5,207.7 | (84.9 | ) | (1.6 | )% | 2,993.2 | 3,118.0 | 5,332.4 | 6,372.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Gross margin | $ | 1,071.2 | $ | 913.9 | $ | 157.3 | 17.2 | % | $ | 445.0 | $ | 693.3 | $ | 1,162.2 | $ | 1,466.9 | ||||||||||||||
Gross margin as a percent of net sales | 17.3 | % | 14.9 | % | 12.9 | % | 18.2 | % | 17.9 | % | 18.7 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Sales volume (in thousands of metric tonnes) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Crop Nutrients(a)(b): | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
North America | 3,337 | 2,951 | 386 | 13.1 | % | 1,795 | 1,695 | 3,803 | 3,746 | |||||||||||||||||||||
International | 3,113 | 2,936 | 177 | 6.0 | % | 1,484 | 1,357 | 3,126 | 3,810 | |||||||||||||||||||||
MicroEssentials® | 1,546 | 1,358 | 188 | 13.8 | % | 758 | 670 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Crop Nutrient Blends(c) | 2,857 | 2,688 | 169 | 6.3 | % | 1,768 | 1,731 | 2,651 | 2,620 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Feed Phosphates | 620 | 572 | 48 | 8.4 | % | 347 | 308 | 534 | 621 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Other(d) | 1,100 | 1,206 | (106 | ) | (8.8 | )% | 805 | 691 | 1,092 | 1,039 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 12,573 | 11,711 | 862 | 7.4 | % | 6,957 | 6,452 | 11,206 | 11,836 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Average selling price per tonne: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
DAP (FOB plant) | $ | 449 | $ | 443 | $ | 6 | 1.4 | % | $ | 409 | $ | 532 | $ | 512 | $ | 555 | ||||||||||||||
Crop Nutrient Blends (FOB destination) | 453 | 517 | (64 | ) | (12.4 | )% | 489 | 546 | 555 | 579 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Average price per unit: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ammonia (metric tonne)(Central Florida) | $ | 479 | $ | 491 | $ | (12 | ) | (2.4 | )% | $ | 457 | $ | 513 | $ | 524 | $ | 528 | |||||||||||||
Sulfur (long ton) | 133 | 157 | (24 | ) | (15.3 | )% | 145 | 192 | 184 | 223 |
______________________________
(a) | Excludes tonnes sold by PhosChem for its other member through December 31, 2013. |
(b) | Excludes Crop Nutrient Blends and beginning with the seven months ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, excludes MicroEssentials. |
(c) | The average product mix in crop nutrient blends (“Blends”) (by volume) contains approximately 50% phosphate, 25% potash and 25% nitrogen. |
(d) | Other volumes are primarily single superphosphate (“SSP”), potash and urea sold outside of North America. |
Calendar 2014 compared to Calendar 2013 (Unaudited)
The Phosphates segment’s net sales increased to $6.2 billion for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to $6.1 billion in the same period a year ago. The increase was due to higher sales volumes that impacted net sales by approximately $390 million, partially offset by lower sales prices for Blends that impacted net sales by approximately $230 million. Our Phosphates segment’s results also included the consolidated results of Phosphate Chemicals Export Association, Inc. (“PhosChem”) through December 31, 2013. Effective December 31, 2013, we and PhosChem’s other member each assumed responsibility for PhosChem’s former activities as they related to our respective products. We subsequently dissolved PhosChem. The prior year period included approximately $98 million related to PhosChem net sales for its other member, which had a minimal impact on gross margin.
F-9
Our average DAP selling price was $449 per tonne for the year ended December 31, 2014, an increase of $6 per tonne or 1.4% compared with the same period a year ago. Prior year price levels were negatively impacted by softer global demand caused in part by higher than normal producer inventories and a decline in India's import demand. Price levels in the current year are higher than the prior year due to a strengthening market environment during 2014 causing prices to rise. The selling price of Blends decreased 12.4% in the current year compared with the prior year, primarily due to a change in product mix, requiring less phosphates, and a decline in prices of crop nutrients used in Blends, particularly potash.
The Phosphates segment’s sales volumes increased to 12.6 million tonnes for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to 11.7 million tonnes in the same period a year ago, due primarily to more tonnes available per the CF Phosphate Assets Acquisition.
Gross margin for the Phosphates segment increased to $1.1 billion in the current period compared with $0.9 billion for the year ended December 31, 2013. Higher sales volumes had a favorable impact on gross margin of approximately $80 million combined with lower product costs of approximately $310 million, partially offset by lower Blends sales prices that impacted net sales by approximately $230 million. The lower product costs were driven by approximately $100 million of lower sulfur and ammonia costs used in our North American production, and approximately $280 million of lower prices for crop nutrients used in production in our international distribution business. In the international distribution business, these costs are typically passed on to customers. This is reflected in revenue; therefore, there is minimal impact on gross margin dollars. These costs were partially offset by higher rock costs which were impacted by approximately $49 million related to the effect of amortization of the fair market value adjustment of inventory acquired in the CF Phosphate Assets Acquisition. Other factors affecting gross margin and costs are discussed below. As a result of these factors, gross margin as a percentage of net sales increased to 17% for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to 15% for the same period a year ago.
The average consumed price for ammonia for our North American operations decreased to $479 per tonne in the current period from $491 in the same period a year ago. The average consumed price for sulfur for our North American operations decreased to $133 per long ton for the year ended December 31, 2014 from $157 in the same period a year ago. We purchased more raw materials, primarily ammonia, from third parties this year, primarily due to increased production related to the CF Phosphate Assets Acquisition. The purchase price of these raw materials is driven by global supply and demand. The average consumed cost of purchased and produced rock was $63 per tonne in the current period, compared to $62 per tonne in the same period a year ago. The percentage of phosphate rock purchased from our Miski Mayo Mine included in cost of goods sold in our North American operations decreased to 7% for the current period from 8% in the same period a year ago.
Our phosphate rock production was 14.0 million tonnes for the current year compared with 14.2 million tonnes in the same period a year ago. The decrease was due to lower phosphate rock production at our legacy mines consistent with expected recoveries as reflected in our long term mine plans. Also, in June 2014, we exhausted the reserves at our Hookers Prairie, Florida mine, which produced 1.9 million tonnes in the prior year period. These decreases were mostly offset by additional production of 2.6 million tonnes from the South Pasture, Florida mine that was acquired as part of the CF Phosphate Assets Acquisition.
The Phosphates segment’s North American production of crop nutrient dry concentrates and animal feed ingredients was 9.3 million tonnes for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to 8.2 million tonnes for the same period of the prior year. The increase in production is due to approximately 1.3 million tonnes of production from the Plant City facility acquired as part of the CF Phosphate Assets Acquisition. On September 30, 2014, we announced a temporary curtailment in the fourth quarter in our phosphate fertilizer production, primarily related to the increasing cost of raw material prices, in particular ammonia prices. The curtailment partially offset the increase in volumes from the CF Phosphate Assets Acquisition. Our operating rate for processed phosphate production was 82% in 2014 compared to 84% in 2013.
Costs were also impacted by net unrealized mark-to-market derivative losses of $6.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, primarily on natural gas derivatives, compared to a gain of $1.2 million in the same period a year ago, primarily on freight derivatives.
Seven months ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 (Unaudited)
The Phosphates segment’s net sales decreased to $3.4 billion for the seven months ended December 31, 2013, compared to $3.8 billion in the seven months ended December 31, 2012. The decrease was due to lower sales prices that resulted in a reduction to net sales of approximately $660 million, partially offset by higher sales volumes that impacted net sales by approximately $280 million.
Our average DAP selling price was $409 per tonne for the seven months ended December 31, 2013, a decrease of $123 per tonne or 23% compared with the seven months ended December 31, 2012 due to the factors discussed in the Overview. The selling price per tonne of Blends decreased 10% for the seven months ended December 31, 2013, compared with the same
F-10
period in the prior year as we moved to selling more high value phosphate product, including MicroEssentials and MAP, in Blends, which helped soften the decrease in these selling prices.
The Phosphates segment’s sales volumes increased to 7.0 million tonnes for the seven months ended December 31, 2013, compared to 6.5 million tonnes in the seven months ended December 31, 2012. The increase in phosphate sales volumes from the same period in the prior year was due to the factors discussed in the Overview.
Included in our results for the seven months ended December 31, 2013 are PhosChem net sales and costs for its other member of $70 million compared with $64 million for the seven months ended December 31, 2012.
Gross margin for the Phosphates segment decreased to $445.0 million in the seven months ended December 31, 2013 compared with $693.3 million for the seven months ended December 31, 2012. Lower sales prices had an unfavorable impact on gross margin of approximately $660 million which was partially offset by higher sales volumes and lower product costs of approximately $20 million and $380 million, respectively. Approximately $230 million of the lower product costs was due to lower input cost of products sold by our international distribution locations, including Blends. As this business is a distribution business, these costs are typically passed on to the customers. This is reflected in revenue; therefore, there is minimal impact on gross margin dollars. The margin percentage for Blends was lower in the Stub Period compared to the seven months ended December 31, 2012 due to pricing decreasing faster than raw material costs. Approximately $110 million of the decrease in product costs was due to lower sulfur and ammonia costs, and approximately $40 million was due to the lower cost of phosphate rock used in our North America operations. Other factors affecting gross margin and costs are discussed below. As a result of these factors, gross margin as a percentage of net sales decreased to 13% for the seven months ended December 31, 2013 compared to 18% for the seven months ended December 31, 2012.
The average consumed price for ammonia for our North American operations decreased to $457 per tonne in the seven months ended December 31, 2013 from $513 in the seven months ended December 31, 2012. The average consumed price for sulfur for our North American operations decreased to $145 per long ton for the seven months ended December 31, 2013 from $192 in the seven months ended December 31, 2012. The purchase price of these raw materials is driven by global supply and demand. The average consumed cost of purchased and produced rock decreased to $61 per tonne in the current period, compared to $66 per tonne in the same period a year ago. The percentage of phosphate rock purchased from our Miski Mayo Mine used in finished product production in our North American operations increased to 9% for the seven months ended December 31, 2013 from 6% in the seven months ended December 31, 2012. This increase offset the percentage of purchased rock from unrelated parties used in phosphate finished product production in our North American operations which decreased to 3% in the seven months ended December 31, 2013, from 6% in the seven months ended December 31, 2012.
Costs were also impacted by net unrealized mark-to-market derivative losses of $1.6 million for the seven months ended December 31, 2013, primarily on natural gas and foreign currency derivatives, compared to losses of $1.0 million in the seven months ended December 31, 2012, primarily on freight derivatives.
The Phosphates segment’s North American production of crop nutrient dry concentrates and animal feed ingredients was 4.8 million tonnes for the seven months ended December 31, 2013 and 2012. Our operating rate for processed phosphate production was 84% in the seven months ended December 31, 2013 compared to 85% in the seven months ended December 31, 2012.
Our phosphate rock production was 7.9 million tonnes for the seven months ended December 31, 2013 compared with 9.0 million tonnes in the seven months ended December 31, 2012. In addition to variations in rock reserve grade, production volumes declined as inventory levels had been rebuilt following the Hardee County Extension Permit Litigation Settlement and mining has been reduced in line with our inventory management strategy.
Fiscal 2013 compared to Fiscal 2012
The Phosphates segment’s net sales decreased to $6.5 billion in fiscal 2013, compared to $7.8 billion in fiscal 2012. The decrease was primarily due to lower sales volumes in the first half of fiscal 2013 that resulted in a reduction to net sales of approximately $390 million combined with a decrease in sales prices that impacted net sales by approximately $390 million. Included in our results for fiscal 2013 are PhosChem net sales and costs for its other member of $92 million compared with $645 million in fiscal 2012.
Our average DAP selling price was $512 per tonne in fiscal 2013, a decrease of $43 per tonne or 8% compared with fiscal 2012 due to the factors discussed in the Overview. The selling price per tonne of Blends decreased 4% in fiscal 2013 compared with fiscal 2012, reflecting decreases in the price of materials used to produce Blends, primarily phosphates and potash while nitrogen remained flat.
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The Phosphates segment’s sales volumes decreased to 11.2 million tonnes in fiscal 2013, compared to 11.8 million tonnes in fiscal 2012. The decline in phosphate sales volumes was due to the factors discussed in the Overview.
Gross margin for the Phosphates segment decreased to $1.2 billion in fiscal 2013 compared with $1.5 billion in fiscal 2012, primarily due to lower average selling prices and sales volume. These factors unfavorably impacted gross margin by approximately $580 million partially offset by lower product costs of approximately $280 million. The lower costs were driven primarily by lower raw materials costs in our North American operations, which include sulfur, ammonia and phosphate rock, of approximately $210 million and lower product costs of approximately $130 million sold by our international distribution locations, including Blends. These lower costs were partially offset by approximately $40 million of increased plant spending. Other factors affecting gross margin and costs are discussed below. As a result of these factors, gross margin as a percentage of net sales decreased to 18% in fiscal 2013 compared to 19% for in fiscal 2012.
The average consumed price for ammonia for our North American operations decreased to $524 per tonne in fiscal 2013 from $528 in fiscal 2012. The average consumed price for sulfur for our North American operations decreased to $184 per long ton for fiscal 2013 from $223 in fiscal 2012. The purchase price of these raw materials is driven by global supply and demand. Despite higher market prices for ammonia during fiscal 2013 compared to the prior year, we benefited from the internal production of ammonia at our Faustina facility which was operating at near full capacity in fiscal 2013, but was temporarily shut down during the first half of fiscal 2012 due to an unplanned outage. The average consumed cost of purchased and produced rock decreased to $65 per tonne in fiscal 2013, compared to $73 per tonne in fiscal 2012, primarily due to increased production from our South Fort Meade mine, following the Hardee County Extension Permit Litigation Settlement. The percentage of phosphate rock purchased from our Miski Mayo Mine used in finished product production in our North American operations increased to 8% for fiscal 2013 from 7% in fiscal 2012. The percentage of purchased rock from unrelated parties used in phosphate finished product production in our North American operations decreased to 5% in fiscal 2013, from 8% in fiscal 2012.
Costs were also impacted by net unrealized mark-to-market derivative gains of $1.8 million in fiscal 2013, primarily on natural gas derivatives, compared to losses of $3.6 million in fiscal 2012, primarily on freight and natural gas derivatives.
The Phosphates segment’s North American production of crop nutrient dry concentrates and animal feed ingredients was 8.2 million tonnes for fiscal 2013 compared with 8.3 million tonnes in fiscal 2012. Our operating rate for processed phosphate production was consistent at 85% in fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012.
Our phosphate rock production was 15.4 million tonnes for fiscal 2013 compared with 12.1 million tonnes in fiscal 2012. The increase in phosphate rock production in fiscal 2013 was primarily due to the settlement of the Hardee County Extension Permit Litigation Settlement in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012 that allowed us to resume normal mining operations at South Fort Meade.
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Potash Net Sales and Gross Margin
The following table summarizes Potash net sales, gross margin, sales volumes and certain other information:
Years Ended December 31, | 2014-2013 | Seven Months Ended December 31, | Years Ended May 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(in millions, except price per tonne or unit) | 2014 | 2013 (unaudited) | Change | Percent | 2013 | 2012 (unaudited) | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Net sales: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
North America | $ | 1,850.2 | $ | 1,670.7 | $ | 179.5 | 10.7 | % | $ | 833.1 | $ | 1,270.9 | $ | 2,108.0 | $ | 1,851.9 | ||||||||||||||
International | 1,001.4 | 1,302.5 | (301.1 | ) | (23.1 | )% | 554.1 | 653.7 | 1,421.3 | 1,449.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 2,851.6 | 2,973.2 | (121.6 | ) | (4.1 | )% | 1,387.2 | 1,924.6 | 3,529.3 | 3,301.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of goods sold | 1,953.9 | 1,869.1 | 84.8 | 4.5 | % | 1,012.9 | 1,043.1 | 1,918.0 | 1,679.3 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Gross margin | $ | 897.7 | $ | 1,104.1 | $ | (206.4 | ) | (18.7 | )% | $ | 374.3 | $ | 881.5 | $ | 1,611.3 | $ | 1,622.0 | |||||||||||||
Gross margin as a percent of net sales | 31.5 | % | 37.1 | % | 27.0 | % | 45.8 | % | 45.7 | % | 49.1 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Sales volume (in thousands of metric tonnes) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Crop Nutrients(a): | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
North America | 3,639 | 2,910 | 729 | 25.1 | % | 1,439 | 1,732 | 3,139 | 2,350 | |||||||||||||||||||||
International | 4,639 | 4,127 | 512 | 12.4 | % | 1,918 | 1,665 | 3,966 | 3,666 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 8,278 | 7,037 | 1,241 | 17.6 | % | 3,357 | 3,397 | 7,105 | 6,016 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Non-agricultural | 694 | 660 | 34 | 5.2 | % | 441 | 384 | 666 | 704 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 8,972 | 7,697 | 1,275 | 16.6 | % | 3,798 | 3,781 | 7,771 | 6,720 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Average selling price per tonne (FOB plant): | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
MOP - North America crop nutrients | $ | 325 | $ | 382 | $ | (57 | ) | (14.9 | )% | $ | 346 | $ | 474 | $ | 450 | $ | 515 | |||||||||||||
MOP - International | 226 | 303 | (77 | ) | (25.4 | )% | 274 | 390 | 349 | 401 | ||||||||||||||||||||
MOP - Average(b) | 279 | 350 | (71 | ) | (20.3 | )% | 325 | 444 | 405 | 448 |
______________________________
(a) | Excludes tonnes related to a third-party tolling arrangement for which the contract expired December 31, 2012. |
(b) | MOP – Average selling price includes feed and industrial selling prices. |
Calendar 2014 compared to Calendar 2013 (Unaudited)
The Potash segment’s net sales decreased to $2.9 billion for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to $3.0 billion in the same period a year ago. The decrease was primarily due to lower selling prices that resulted in a decrease in net sales of approximately $600 million, partially offset by higher sales volumes that resulted in an increase of approximately $480 million.
Our average MOP selling price was $279 per tonne for the year ended December 31, 2014, a decrease of $71 per tonne compared with the same period a year ago. Average potash selling prices are lower in the current year period due to the factors discussed in the Overview.
The Potash segment’s sales volumes increased to 9.0 million tonnes for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to 7.7 million tonnes in the same period a year ago, due to the factors discussed in the Overview.
Gross margin for the Potash segment decreased to $0.9 billion in the current year, from $1.1 billion for the year ended December 31, 2013. Gross margin was unfavorably impacted by approximately $600 million related to lower selling prices, partially offset by a favorable impact of approximately $240 million due to the increase in sales volumes. Favorable changes in foreign currency exchange rates, lower plant spending, primarily related to cost reduction activities, and favorable plant mix which led to higher fixed cost absorption benefited gross margin by approximately $190 million compared to 2013. The average value of the Canadian dollar decreased by approximately 8% in 2014 which reduced our expenses. These and other factors affecting gross margin and costs are further discussed below. As a result of these factors, gross margin as a percentage of net sales decreased to 32% for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to 37% for the same period a year ago.
F-13
We incurred $181.6 million in expenses, including depreciation on brine assets, and $19.7 million in capital expenditures related to managing the brine inflows at our Esterhazy mine in 2014, compared to $201.6 million and $41.2 million, respectively, in 2013. We have been effectively managing the brine inflows at Esterhazy since 1985, and from time to time we experience changes to the amounts and patterns of brine inflows. Inflows continue to be within the range of our historical experience. Brine inflow expenditures continue to reflect the cost of addressing changing inflow patterns, including inflows from below our mine workings, which can be more complex and costly to manage, as well as costs associated with horizontal drilling. The mine has significant brine storage capacity. Depending on inflow rates, pumping and disposal rates, and other variables, the volume of brine stores in the mine may change significantly from period to period. In general, the higher the level of brine stored in the mine, the less time available to mitigate new or increased inflows that exceed our capacity for pumping or disposal of brine outside the mine, and therefore the less time to avoid flooding and/or loss of the mine. Our past investments in remote injection and increased pumping capacities facilitate our management of the brine inflows and the amount of brine stored in the mine.
We incurred $168.4 million in Canadian resource taxes for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared with $187.0 million in the same period a year ago. These taxes decreased due to lower realized prices and profitability, partially offset by lower deductions for capital expenditures and higher sales volumes in the current year. We incurred $26.6 million in royalties in the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to $48.2 million in the year ended December 31, 2013 due to lower selling prices.
Costs were negatively impacted by net unrealized mark-to-market derivative losses of $25.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, primarily on foreign currency and commodity derivatives compared with losses of $0.9 million for the same period a year ago, primarily on foreign currency derivatives offset by commodity derivatives.
For the year ended December 31, 2014, potash production was 8.2 million tonnes compared to 8.1 million tonnes in the year ended December 31, 2013. In the current year period we completed a proving run of the expanded capacity at our Colonsay, Saskatchewan potash mine. The increase in production from the proving run was offset by lower production caused by unplanned down time at our Carlsbad, New Mexico mine related to a warehouse roof collapse. A shortage of rail service in the first four months of 2014, which prioritized shipments from a large North American grain crop over fertilizer shipments also impacted production and sales volumes in the current year. Our operating rate for potash production was 75% for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.
Seven months ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 (Unaudited)
The Potash segment’s net sales decreased to $1.4 billion for the seven months ended December 31, 2013 compared with $1.9 billion in the seven months ended December 31, 2012 primarily due to a decrease in sales prices which resulted in lower net sales of approximately $400 million. Also, in the seven months ended December 31, 2012 we received approximately $120 million for reimbursement of certain costs under a tolling agreement which were not received in the seven months ended December 31, 2013, as the agreement had expired.
Our average MOP selling price was $325 per tonne in the seven months ended December 31, 2013, which is a decrease of 27% compared to the seven months ended December 31, 2012 average price of $444 per tonne. MOP selling prices, both domestic and international, decreased due to factors discussed in the Overview.
Gross margin for the Potash segment decreased to $374.3 million in the seven months ended December 31, 2013 from $881.5 million to the seven months ended December 31, 2012. The gross margin was unfavorably impacted by the items discussed above and the impact of higher costs of approximately $60 million including factors further discussed below. Gross margin as a percentage of net sales decreased to 27% in the seven months ended December 31, 2013 from 46% in the seven months ended December 31, 2012, reflecting the 27% decline in average MOP selling price.
We incurred $197.2 million in depreciation expense during in the seven months ended December 31, 2013 compared to $161.7 million for the seven months ended December 31, 2012. The higher depreciation relates to more fixed assets being depreciated as they have been brought into service for our expansion and sustaining projects.
We incurred $98.4 million in Canadian resource taxes in the seven months ended December 31, 2013 compared with $161.3 million in the seven months ended December 31, 2012. The lower taxes were due primarily to lower sales and profits in the Stub Period. The potash expansions resulted in a reduction to our Canadian resource taxes of approximately $37 million and $109 million for the seven months ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. We incurred $22.3 million in royalties in the seven months ended December 31, 2013 compared to $32.1 million in the seven months ended December 31, 2012. The decrease in royalties was due primarily to lower selling prices in the Stub Period.
Costs were impacted by net unrealized mark-to-market derivative gains, primarily on foreign currency derivatives, of $13.0 million in the seven months ended December 31, 2013 compared with gains, primarily on foreign currency derivatives, of $27.2 million in the seven months ended December 31, 2012.
F-14
We incurred $112.3 million in expenses, including depreciation on brine assets, and $10.1 million in capital expenditures related to managing the brine inflows at our Esterhazy mine during the seven months ended December 31, 2013, compared to $146.2 million and $100.4 million, respectively, in the seven months ended December 31, 2012. During the Stub Period, inflows continued to be within the range of our historical experience. Brine inflow expenses decreased compared to the seven months ended December 31, 2012 as a project came on line that enhances our flexibility for disposing of brine that has been pumped out of the mine by injecting it at the remote injection site. In addition, the timing of activities and other temporary operating factors favorably impacted the expense for the seven months ended December 31, 2013. Brine inflow costs continued to reflect the cost of addressing changing inflow patterns and inflows from below our mine workings, which can be more complex and costly to manage, as well as costs associated with horizontal drilling. Capital expenditures decreased from the prior year period primarily due to expenditures for our new remote injection site in the prior year period.
For the seven months ended December 31, 2013, potash production was 4.1 million tonnes compared to 3.9 million tonnes in the seven months ended December 31, 2012 as we completed a proving run of the expanded capacity at our Esterhazy Saskatchewan potash mine partially offset by planned curtailments at our Colonsay and Esterhazy potash mines in the later part of the period. Our operating rate for potash production was 66% in the Stub Period compared to 71% in the seven months ended December 31, 2012 due to higher capacity in the Stub Year as a result of the expiration at the end of calendar 2012 of our obligation to supply 1.1 million tonnes of potash per year under a tolling agreement.
Fiscal 2013 compared to Fiscal 2012
The Potash segment’s net sales increased to $3.5 billion in fiscal 2013 compared with $3.3 billion in fiscal 2012 due to an increase in sales volumes that resulted in higher net sales of approximately $520 million, partially offset by a decrease in sales prices which resulted in lower net sales of approximately $300 million.
The Potash segment’s sales volumes increased to 7.8 million tonnes for fiscal 2013 compared to 6.7 million tonnes in fiscal 2012, primarily driven by the factors described in the Overview.
Our average MOP selling price was $405 per tonne in fiscal 2013, which is a decrease of 10% compared to the fiscal 2012 average price of $448 per tonne. MOP selling prices, both domestic and international, decreased due to factors discussed in the Overview.
Gross margin for the Potash segment in fiscal 2013 was comparable to fiscal 2012 at $1.6 billion. The gross margin was favorably impacted by approximately $360 million due to the increase in sales volumes, partially offset by a decrease in selling prices which unfavorably impacted gross margin by approximately $300 million. In addition, gross margin was unfavorably impacted by higher costs of approximately $60 million, which are further described in the following paragraphs. The factors affecting gross margin and costs are further discussed below. Gross margin as a percentage of net sales decreased to 46% in fiscal 2013 from 49% in fiscal 2012.
We incurred $301.9 million in depreciation expense during fiscal 2013 compared to $233.1 million in fiscal 2012. The higher depreciation relates to more fixed assets being depreciated as they have been brought into service for our expansion and sustaining projects.
We incurred $450.9 million in labor and contract labor costs during fiscal 2013 compared to $393.7 million in fiscal 2012. The increase in labor and contract labor costs primarily related to the effects of the settlement of collective bargaining agreements and additional headcount to support our expansion projects.
We incurred $249.9 million in Canadian resource taxes in fiscal 2013 compared with $257.9 million in fiscal 2012. The lower taxes were due primarily to lower selling prices in fiscal 2013. The potash expansions resulted in a reduction to our Canadian resource taxes of approximately $162 million and $185 million for fiscal 2013 and 2012, respectively. We incurred $58.0 million in royalties in fiscal 2013 compared to $69.2 million in fiscal 2012. The decrease in royalties was due primarily to lower selling prices in fiscal 2013.
Costs were impacted by net unrealized mark-to-market derivative gains, primarily on natural gas derivatives, of $13.3 million in fiscal 2013 compared with losses, primarily on foreign currency and natural gas derivatives, of $38.3 million in fiscal 2012.
We incurred $235.5 million in expenses, including depreciation on brine assets, and $131.5 million in capital expenditures related to managing the brine inflows at our Esterhazy mine during fiscal 2013, compared to $205.0 million and $44.4 million, respectively, in fiscal 2012. During fiscal 2013, inflows continued to be within the range of our historical experience. Brine inflow costs, beginning in the third quarter of fiscal 2013, included the costs for pumping brine from the mine to the remote brine injection site. The remote injection site, which commenced operations in December 2012, and increased pumping capacity, helped us alleviate the effects of constraints on our pumping that began in the latter half of fiscal 2012. These
F-15
constraints affected available storage capacity in surface ponds. As a result of our investments in the remote injection and increased pumping capacities, however, we were able to reduce the amount of brine stored in the mine. Brine inflow costs also continued to reflect the cost of addressing changing inflow patterns and inflows from below our mine workings, as well as higher costs associated with the introduction of horizontal drilling beginning in the second quarter of fiscal 2012. Under a tolling agreement that expired during the third quarter of fiscal 2013, we were entitled to reimbursement of a pro-rata share of operating and capital costs of our Esterhazy mine, including a portion of our costs for managing the brine inflows.
For fiscal 2013, potash production was 7.8 million tonnes compared to 7.4 million tonnes in fiscal 2012. We curtailed production in the second half of fiscal 2012 due to lower market demand as a result of cautious customer purchasing behavior. Our operating rate for potash production was 79% in fiscal 2013 compared to 81% in fiscal 2012 due to higher capacity in fiscal 2013.
Other Income Statement Items
Years Ended December 31, | 2014-2013 | Seven Months Ended December 31, | Years Ended May 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(in millions) | 2014 | 2013 (unaudited) | Change | Percent | 2013 | 2012 (unaudited) | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses | $ | 382.4 | $ | 393.5 | $ | (11.1 | ) | (3 | )% | $ | 211.8 | $ | 245.6 | $ | 427.3 | $ | 410.1 | |||||||||||||
(Gain) loss on assets sold and to be sold | (16.4 | ) | 122.8 | (139.2 | ) | (113 | )% | 122.8 | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||
Carlsbad restructuring expense | 125.4 | — | 125.4 | NM | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Other operating expenses | 123.4 | 159.2 | (35.8 | ) | (22 | )% | 76.8 | 40.8 | 123.3 | 63.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||
(Loss) gain in value of share repurchase agreement | (60.2 | ) | 73.2 | (133.4 | ) | (182 | )% | 73.2 | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||
Interest (expense) | (128.9 | ) | (22.8 | ) | (106.1 | ) | NM | (22.8 | ) | — | — | (1.4 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Interest income | 21.3 | 16.7 | 4.6 | 28 | % | 9.5 | 11.5 | 18.8 | 20.1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Interest (expense) income, net | (107.6 | ) | (6.1 | ) | (101.5 | ) | NM | (13.3 | ) | 11.5 | 18.8 | 18.7 | ||||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency transaction gain (loss) | 79.1 | 34.7 | 44.4 | 128 | % | 16.5 | (34.2 | ) | (15.9 | ) | 16.9 | |||||||||||||||||||
Other (expense) income | (5.8 | ) | (6.6 | ) | 0.8 | (12 | )% | (9.1 | ) | (0.4 | ) | 2.0 | (17.8 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Provision for income taxes | 184.7 | 384.6 | (199.9 | ) | (52 | )% | 152.6 | 109.0 | 341.0 | 711.4 |
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased to $382.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $393.5 million for the same period a year ago resulting from reduced spending of approximately $25 million related to cost-savings initiatives partially offset by costs of approximately $15 million associated with an additional incentive grant related to the achievement of future cost-savings initiatives in 2014. In addition, 2014 included approximately $12 million related to costs associated with our business acquisitions which was offset by other reductions.
Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased to $211.8 million for the seven months ended December 31, 2013 compared to $245.6 million for the seven months ended December 31, 2012 due to a decrease in salaries, incentives, and other employee benefits combined with project expenses incurred in the seven months ended December 31, 2012 that were not repeated in the seven months ended December 31, 2013.
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased to $427.3 million in fiscal 2013 compared to $410.1 million in fiscal 2012 due to an increase in salaries, incentives, and other employee benefits combined with an increase in project costs related to strategic and operational improvement initiatives.
(Gain) Loss on Assets Sold and To Be Sold
The gain on assets sold and to be sold of $16.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 includes a gain of $13.5 million from the sale of our salt operations at our Hersey, Michigan mine, combined with a gain of $8.5 million from the sale of our distribution business in Argentina as the final sales prices of both were higher than previously estimated. This was partially offset by a loss of $5.6 million related to the closure of our Chile distribution business.
F-16
The loss on write-down of assets of $122.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 is related to the then planned exit from our Argentina distribution business, write-off of initial engineering costs of our ammonia plant, closure of the Hersey potash facility, and the then planned sale of our Hersey salt operations mentioned in the Overview.
Other Operating Expenses
Other operating expenses were $123.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $159.2 million for the prior year period. Other operating expenses typically consist of three major categories: 1) Asset Retirement Obligations (“AROs”)/environmental and legal reserves, 2) insurance reimbursements and 3) gain/loss on fixed assets. The decrease in expense was primarily due to the costs of $42 million associated with the settlement of potash antitrust litigation in calendar 2013, partially offset by costs of approximately $10 million, primarily severance, related to the wind down of our Hookers Prairie, Florida mine in 2014 compared to 2013.
Other operating expenses were $76.8 million for the seven months ended December 31, 2013 compared to $40.8 million for the seven months ended December 31, 2012. The increase in the seven months ended December 31, 2013 is primarily due to approximately $15 million of ARO adjustments, approximately $9 million related to the settlement of certain mineral rights, and approximately $12 million related to the write-off of fixed assets partially offset by a $19 million decrease in legal reserves compared to the seven months ended December 31, 2012.
Other operating expenses were $123.3 million in fiscal 2013 compared to $63.8 million in fiscal 2012. The increase in fiscal 2013 is primarily due to the settlement of the Potash Antitrust Cases. The settlement and related costs resulted in a pre-tax charge of approximately $51 million.
Gain (Loss) in Value of Share Repurchase Agreement
The change in the value of share repurchase agreement relates to the remeasurement of our share repurchase obligation to its present value. For the year ended December 31, 2014, we had a loss of $60.2 million compared to gain of $73.2 million for the same period a year ago.
Interest Expense
Interest expense was $128.9 million in 2014 compared to $22.8 million in 2013. The increase is primarily related to higher average debt balances as a result of a $2 billion public offering of senior notes completed on November 7, 2013, as part of the implementation of our capital management philosophy and the $800 million unsecured term loan facility under which we borrowed the full amount on September 18, 2014.
Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss)
In calendar 2014, we recorded a foreign currency transaction gain of $79.1 million, compared to a gain of $34.7 million in calendar 2013. The foreign currency transaction gains in 2014 and 2013 were primarily the result of the strengthening of the U.S. dollar relative to the Canadian dollar on significant U.S. dollar denominated intercompany receivables and cash held by certain of our Canadian subsidiaries, partially offset by the effect of the strengthening of the U.S. dollar relative to the Brazilian Real on significant U.S. dollar denominated payables held by our Brazilian subsidiaries.
For the seven months ended December 31, 2013, we recorded a foreign currency transaction gain of $16.5 million, compared to a loss of $34.2 million in the seven months ended December 31, 2012. The foreign currency transaction gain in the seven months ended December 31, 2013 was primarily the result of the strengthening of the U.S. dollar relative to the Canadian dollar on significant U.S. dollar denominated intercompany receivables and cash held by certain of our Canadian subsidiaries, partially offset by the effect of the strengthening of the U.S. dollar relative to the Brazilian Real on significant U.S. dollar denominated payables held by our Brazilian subsidiaries.
In fiscal 2013, we recorded a foreign currency transaction loss of $15.9 million, compared to a gain of $16.9 million in fiscal 2012. The foreign currency transaction loss in fiscal 2013 was primarily the result of the strengthening of the U.S. dollar relative to the Brazilian Real on significant U.S. dollar denominated payables held by our Brazilian subsidiaries.
F-17
Provision for Income Taxes
Effective Tax Rate | Provision for Income Taxes | ||||||
Year Ended December 31, 2014 | 15.2 | % | $ | 184.7 | |||
Seven Months Ended December 31, 2013 | 31.5 | % | 152.6 | ||||
Year Ended May 31, 2013 | 15.4 | % | 341.0 | ||||
Year ended May 31, 2012 | 27.1 | % | 711.4 |
Income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2014 was $184.7 million, an effective tax rate of 15.2% on pre-tax income of $1.2 billion. Our income tax rate is impacted by the mix of earnings across the jurisdictions in which we operate and by a benefit associated with depletion. The tax rate was favorably impacted by $53.6 million related to losses on the sale of our distribution business in Argentina, $8.1 million related to the settlement of certain non-U.S. tax matters, and two items related to the ADM Acquisition: $47.0 million as a result of a change in the tax status of a Brazilian subsidiary and a $32.8 million valuation allowance reduction primarily related to net operating losses at a Brazilian subsidiary. The tax rate was negatively impacted by $81.0 million as a result of our decision that our earnings were not permanently re-invested in certain non-U.S. subsidiaries. During 2014, we recorded $51.9 million of tax benefit related to the $125.4 million pre-tax charges resulting from the decision to permanently discontinue production of MOP at our Carlsbad, New Mexico facility. For further information, please see Note 12 to our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Income tax expense for the seven months ended December 31, 2013 was $152.6 million, an effective tax rate of 31.5% on pre-tax income of $484.2 million. The tax rate was negatively impacted by a tax expense of $100.8 million as a result of the determination that we are no longer permanently reinvested at certain non-U.S. subsidiaries. The tax rate was favorably impacted by the $73.2 million change in value of the share repurchase agreement, which was non-taxable.
Income tax expense for fiscal 2013 was $341.0 million, an effective tax rate of 15.4% on pre-tax income of $2.2 billion. The tax rate was favorably impacted by a discrete income tax benefit of approximately $180 million related to the resolution of certain tax matters.
Income tax expense for fiscal 2012 was $711.4 million, an effective tax rate of 27.1% on pre-tax income of $2.6 billion.
Critical Accounting Estimates
We prepare our Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America which requires us to make various judgments, estimates and assumptions that could have a significant impact on our reported results and disclosures. We base these estimates on historical experience and other assumptions believed to be reasonable at the time we prepare our financial statements. Changes in these estimates could have a material effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Our significant accounting policies can be found in Note 3 of our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. We believe the following accounting policies include a higher degree of judgment and complexity in their application and are most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating our reported financial condition and results of operations.
Recoverability of Long-Lived Assets including Goodwill
Assessing the potential impairment of long-lived assets is an integral part of our normal ongoing review of operations. These assessments involve estimates that require significant management judgment, and include inherent uncertainties that are often interdependent and do not change in isolation. Factors that management must estimate include, among others, industry and market conditions, the economic life of the asset, sales volume and prices, inflation, raw materials costs, cost of capital, tax rates and capital spending. These factors are even more difficult to predict when global financial markets are highly volatile. Further, our Company faces many uncertainties and risks related to various economic, political and regulatory environments in the countries in which we operate. Refer to “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in Part I of our annual report on Form 10-K for 2014.
As mentioned above, these factors do not change in isolation; therefore, it is not practicable to present the impact of changing a single factor. If management uses different assumptions or if different conditions occur in future periods, future impairment charges could result and could be material. Impairments generally would be non-cash charges. During the year ended December 31, 2014, no material impairment was indicated for Mosaic’s asset groups except for the write-down of assets in connection with the MOP closure in Carlsbad. See Note 22 of our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding the MOP closure in Carlsbad.
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The carrying value of goodwill in our reporting units is tested annually as of October 31st for possible impairment. We typically use an income approach valuation model, representing present value of future cash flows, to determine the fair value of a reporting unit. Growth rates for sales and profits are determined using inputs from our annual strategic planning process. The rates used to discount projected future cash flows reflect a weighted average cost of capital based on the Company’s industry, capital structure and risk premiums including those reflected in the current market capitalization. When preparing these estimates, management considers each reporting unit’s historical results, current operating trends, and specific plans in place. These estimates are impacted by various factors including inflation, the general health of the economy and market competition. In addition, events and circumstances that might be indicators of possible impairment are assessed during other interim periods. No goodwill impairment was indicated during the year ended December 31, 2014. See Note 10 of our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding goodwill. As of December 31, 2014 we had $1.8 billion of goodwill.
Useful Lives of Depreciable Assets and Rates of Depletion
We estimate initial useful lives of property, plant and equipment based on operational experience, current technology, improvements made to the assets, and anticipated business plans. Factors affecting the fair value of our assets, as noted above, may also affect the estimated useful lives of our assets and these factors can change. Therefore, we periodically review the estimated remaining useful lives of our facilities and other significant assets and adjust our depreciation rates prospectively where appropriate.
Depletion expenses for mining operations, including mineral reserves, are generally determined using the units-of-production method based on estimates of recoverable reserves. These estimates may change based on new information regarding the extent or quality of mineral reserves, permitting or changes in mining strategies.
Inventories
We review our inventory carrying amounts quarterly to determine if they exceed their estimated net realizable value. Forecasted selling prices are a significant component in determining estimated net realizable value. As described in our significant accounting policies, there are a number of demand and supply variables that can impact forecasted selling prices. Additionally, judgment is involved in this analysis with estimating whether inventories will be sold as blends or other products and the expected effects on costs. These factors do not change in isolation, and therefore, it is not practicable to present the impact of changing a single factor.
Although we believe our judgments and estimates are reasonable, results could differ materially if actual selling prices differ significantly from forecasted selling prices or if expected costs change significantly through the ultimate sale of inventory. Charges for lower of cost or market adjustments, if any, are recognized in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings in the period when there is evidence of a decline of market value below cost. During the year ended December 31, 2014, seven months ended December 31, 2013, and during fiscal 2013 and 2012, no material lower of cost or market inventory write-downs were indicated.
We allocate fixed expense to the costs of production based on normal capacity, which refers to a range of production levels and is considered the production expected to be achieved over a number of periods or seasons under normal circumstances, taking into account the loss of capacity resulting from planned maintenance. Fixed overhead costs allocated to each unit of production should not increase due to abnormally low production. Those excess costs are recognized as a current period expense. When a production facility is completely shut down temporarily, it is considered “idle”, and all related expenses are charged to cost of goods sold.
Environmental Liabilities and Asset Retirement Obligations
We record accrued liabilities for various environmental and reclamation matters including the demolition of former operating facilities, and AROs.
Contingent environmental liabilities are described in Note 20 of our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Accruals for environmental matters are based primarily on third-party estimates for the cost of remediation at previously operated sites and estimates of legal costs for ongoing environmental litigation. We regularly assess the likelihood of material adverse judgments or outcomes as well as potential ranges or probability of losses. We determine the amount of accruals required, if any, for contingencies after carefully analyzing each individual matter. Actual costs incurred in future periods may vary from the estimates, given the inherent uncertainties in evaluating environmental exposures. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, we had accrued $32.5 million and $31.3 million, respectively, for environmental matters.
As indicated in Note 13 of our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, we recognize AROs in the period in which we have an existing legal obligation, and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated. We utilize internal engineering experts
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as well as third-party consultants to assist management in determining the costs of retiring certain of our long-term operating assets. Assumptions and estimates reflect our historical experience and our best judgments regarding future expenditures. The assumed costs are inflated based on an estimated inflation factor and discounted based on a credit-adjusted risk-free rate. For active facilities, fluctuations in the estimated costs (including those resulting from a change in environmental regulations), inflation rates and discount rates can have a significant impact on the corresponding assets and liabilities recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. However, changes in the assumptions for our active facilities would not have a significant impact on the Consolidated Statements of Earnings in the year they are identified. For closed facilities, fluctuations in the estimated costs, inflation and discount rates have an impact on the Consolidated Statements of Earnings in the year they are identified as there is no asset related to these items. Phosphate land reclamation activities generally occur concurrently with mining operations; as such, we accrue and expense reclamation costs as we mine. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, $859.5 million and $723.9 million, respectively, was accrued for AROs. The increase recorded in 2014 was principally the result of the CF Phosphate Assets Acquisition.
Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits
The accounting for benefit plans is highly dependent on valuation of pension assets and actuarial estimates and assumptions.
The assumptions and actuarial estimates required to estimate the employee benefit obligations for pension plans and other postretirement benefits include discount rate, expected salary increases, certain employee-related factors, such as turnover, retirement age and mortality (life expectancy), expected return on assets and healthcare cost trend rates. We evaluate these critical assumptions at least annually. Our assumptions reflect our historical experiences and our best judgments regarding future expectations that have been deemed reasonable by management. During 2014, we adopted recently updated mortality tables for both the U.S. and Canadian plans which contributed to increases in the actuarial loss and projected benefit obligation recognized as of December 31, 2014.
The judgments made in determining the costs of our benefit plans can impact our Consolidated Statements of Earnings. As a result, we use actuarial consultants to assist management in developing reasonable assumptions and cost estimates. Actual results in any given year will often differ from actuarial assumptions because of economic and other factors. The effects of actual results differing from our assumptions are included as a component of other comprehensive income/(expense) as unamortized net gains and losses, which are amortized into earnings over future periods. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, we had $84.1 million and $75.2 million, respectively, accrued for pension and other postretirement benefit obligations. Our pension and other postretirement benefits are further described in Note 17 of our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Income Taxes
We make estimates for income taxes in three major areas: uncertain tax positions, valuation allowances, and U.S. deferred income taxes on our non-U.S. subsidiaries' undistributed earnings.
Due to Mosaic’s global operations, we assess uncertainties and judgments in the application of complex tax regulations in a multitude of jurisdictions. Future changes in judgment related to the expected ultimate resolution of uncertain tax positions will affect earnings in the quarter of such change. While it is often difficult to predict the final outcome or the timing of resolution of any particular uncertain tax position, our liabilities for income taxes reflect what we believe to be the more likely than not outcome. We adjust these liabilities, as well as the related interest, in light of changing facts and circumstances including negotiations with taxing authorities in various jurisdictions, outcomes of tax litigation, and resolution of disputes arising from tax audits in the normal course of business. Settlement of any particular position may require the use of cash. Based upon an analysis of tax positions taken on prior year returns and expected positions to be taken on the current year return, management has identified gross uncertain income tax positions of $100.6 million as of December 31, 2014. It is reasonably possible that changes to the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits could be significant; however, due to the uncertainty of possible outcomes, a current estimate of the range of changes that may occur cannot be made.
A valuation allowance is provided for deferred tax assets for which it is more likely than not that the related tax benefits will not be realized. Significant judgment is required in evaluating the need for and magnitude of appropriate valuation allowances. The realization of the Company’s deferred tax assets is dependent on generating certain types of future taxable income, using both historical and projected future operating results, the source of future income, the reversal of existing taxable temporary differences, taxable income in prior carry-back years (if permitted) and the availability of tax planning strategies. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, we had a valuation allowance of $28.3 million and $129.2 million, respectively. Changes in tax laws, assumptions with respect to future taxable income, tax planning strategies, resolution of matters under tax audit and foreign currency exchange rates could result in adjustment to these allowances. Prior to the year ended December 31, 2014, we had provided a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets primarily related to certain non-U.S. subsidiaries. As of December 31, 2014, we determined that sufficient positive evidence existed to conclude it was more likely than not that we would realize
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the benefits of the net operating loss and other deferred tax assets at a Brazilian subsidiary for which a valuation allowance had been recorded. We also concluded that it was more likely than not that we would realize the benefits related to losses on the sale of our distribution business in Argentina. Accordingly, during the year ended December 31, 2014, a reduction of the valuation allowance of $100.9 million was recorded, of which approximately $86 million was a reduction to income tax expense. The remaining amount did not impact income tax expense.
We have not recorded U.S. deferred income taxes on certain of our non-U.S. subsidiaries’ undistributed earnings as such amounts are intended to be reinvested outside the United States indefinitely. Generally, such amounts become subject to U.S. taxation upon the remittance of dividends and under certain other circumstances. It is not practicable to estimate the amount of additional U.S. tax liabilities we would incur.
We have included a further discussion of income taxes in Note 12 of our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Litigation
Our operating results are affected by claims and judicial or administrative proceedings involving the Company, many of which are incidental to the ordinary operation of the business, as described in Note 20 of our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. We record accruals for such claims and proceedings when information available to us indicates it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. These accruals are established as part of an ongoing assessment that takes into consideration such items as advice of legal counsel, developments in individual claims and proceedings, changes in the law, changes in business focus, changes in the litigation environment, changes in opponent strategy and tactics, ongoing discovery, and past experience in defending and settling similar claims. Adjustments to accruals, recorded as needed in our Consolidated Statement of Earnings each quarter, are made to reflect changes in and current status of these factors. While we have established what we currently believe are adequate accruals for pending legal matters, these accruals frequently involve estimates based upon the current judgment of management and others and the final outcome or potential settlement of litigation or other claims could differ materially from the recorded amounts.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We define liquidity as the ability to generate or access adequate amounts of cash to meet current cash needs. We assess our liquidity in terms of our ability to fund working capital requirements, fund sustaining and opportunity capital projects, pursue strategic opportunities and capital management decisions which include making payments on and issuing indebtedness and making distributions to our shareholders, either in the form of share repurchases or dividends. Our liquidity, to a certain extent, is subject to general economic, financial, competitive and other factors that are beyond our control.
As of December 31, 2014, we had cash and cash equivalents of $2.4 billion, stockholders’ equity of $10.7 billion, long-term debt of $3.8 billion and short-term debt of $13.5 million. We have increased our target liquidity buffer to $2.5 billion due to the recent growth of our business, targeting approximately $1 billion in cash on our balance sheet and $1.5 billion in committed credit lines. We also target debt leverage ratios that are consistent with investment grade credit ratings. Our capital allocation priorities include maintaining our assets and liquidity targets, paying our dividend, investing to grow our business, taking advantage of strategic opportunities and returning excess cash to shareholders in order to maintain an efficient balance sheet. During 2014, we executed on strategic opportunities, including the completion of the CF Phosphate Assets Acquisition and ADM Acquisition, which reduced our unrestricted cash by approximately $1.7 billion, invested $929.1 million in capital expenditures, and we returned excess cash to shareholders by repurchasing approximately 59.1 million shares for an aggregate expenditure of approximately $2.8 billion. We also paid $382.5 million in cash dividends.
In addition to our working capital and other normal liquidity requirements, we expect to utilize our available liquidity, including cash and cash equivalents and issue debt, to fund our Repurchase Program, our commitments in connection with the Wa’ad Al Shamal Joint Venture and certain financial assurance requirements related to our Phosphates business as discussed under “EPA RCRA Initiative” in Note 20 of our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. We used net proceeds from borrowings under our unsecured $800 million term loan facility (the "Term Loan Facility") to replenish cash that we used to fund the CF Phosphate Assets Acquisition.
All of our cash and cash equivalents are diversified in highly rated investment vehicles. Approximately $1.2 billion of cash and cash equivalents are 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 December 31, 2014. These funds may create foreign currency transaction gains or losses 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.; however, there would be an income tax expense impact on repatriating approximately $0.9 billion of cash associated with certain undistributed earnings, which are part of the permanently reinvested earnings discussed in Note 12 of our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. However,
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we currently intend to use a portion of this cash for non-U.S. expansions. Information about the investment of our cash and cash equivalents is included in Note 3 of our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Cash Requirements
We have certain contractual cash obligations that require us to make payments on a scheduled basis which include, among other things, long-term debt payments, interest payments, operating leases, unconditional purchase obligations, and funding requirements of pension and postretirement obligations. Unconditional purchase obligations are our largest contractual cash obligations. These include obligations for capital expenditures related to our expansion projects, contracts to purchase raw materials such as sulfur, ammonia, rock and natural gas, obligations to purchase raw materials for our international distribution activities and equity contributions for nonconsolidated investments. Other large cash obligations are our AROs and other environmental obligations primarily related to our Phosphates segment and our long-term debt. Our long-term debt has maturities ranging from one year to 30 years. We expect to fund our AROs, purchase obligations, and capital expenditures with a combination of operating cash flows, cash and cash equivalents, and borrowings. See Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Obligations for the amounts owed by Mosaic under Contractual Cash Obligations below and the discussion under “EPA RCRA Initiative” in Note 20 of our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on this matter.
Sources and Uses of Cash
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 financing activities for calendar 2014 and 2013, the seven months ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, and for fiscal 2013 and 2012:
Years Ended December 31, | Seven Months Ended December 31, | Years Ended May 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(in millions) | 2014-2013 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash Flow | 2014 | 2013 (unaudited) | Change | Percent | 2013 | 2012 (unaudited) | 2013 | 2012 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 2,293.7 | $ | 2,019.9 | $ | 273.8 | 14 | % | $ | 889.4 | $ | 742.9 | $ | 1,887.5 | $ | 2,705.8 | |||||||||||||||
Net cash used in investing activities | (2,739.1 | ) | (1,595.3 | ) | (1,143.8 | ) | 72 | % | (957.2 | ) | (967.0 | ) | (1,589.8 | ) | (1,627.4 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | (2,340.0 | ) | 1,514.8 | (3,854.8 | ) | (254 | )% | 1,705.3 | (207.1 | ) | (397.8 | ) | (1,061.1 | ) |
As of December 31, 2014, we had cash and cash equivalents of $2.4 billion. 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 the Term Loan Facility will be sufficient to finance our operations, including our expansion plans, existing strategic initiatives and expected dividend payments, for the next 12 months. There can be no assurance, however, that we will continue to generate cash flows at or above current levels. In 2014, we borrowed the entire $800 million available under our Term Loan Facility. In addition, at December 31, 2014, we had $1.48 billion available for working capital needs and investment opportunities under our $1.5 billion credit facility.
Operating Activities
Net cash flow from operating activities has provided us with a significant source of liquidity. For the year ended December 31, 2014, net cash provided by operating activities was $2.3 billion, compared to $2.0 billion in the same period of the prior year. During calendar year 2014, operating cash flow was primarily generated by net earnings and positive changes in working capital including, a decrease in other current assets and an increase in accounts payable, partially offset by increases in accounts receivable and inventories.
The decrease in other current and noncurrent assets of $457.7 million was driven by a decrease in our income tax receivable due to the application of prior year tax refunds against current year tax liabilities, resulting in paying less cash for taxes, a decline in the balance of final price deferred product as many of these priced in December 2014, and a decrease in working capital levels of Argentina and Chile. The increase in accounts payable of $277.2 million was primarily due the timing of payments for inventory purchases in Brazil that had not been paid for at December 31, 2014 as we have extended terms that we did not have in the prior year. The increase in accounts receivable of $226.5 million is primarily due to higher sales in December 2014 compared to December 2013. The increase in inventories of $129.7 million in the current year is primarily due to higher cost of raw materials used in our phosphates products, as discussed further in the Phosphates Net Sales and Gross Margin section.
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For the seven months ended December 31, 2013, net cash provided by operating activities was $889.4 million, compared to $742.9 million in the same period of the prior year. During the Stub Period, operating cash flow was primarily generated by net earnings, a decrease in accounts receivable and inventories, partially offset by decreases in accounts payable and accrued liabilities.
For fiscal 2013, net cash provided by operations was $1.9 billion, compared to $2.7 billion in fiscal 2012. During fiscal 2013, operating cash flow was primarily generated by net earnings, partially offset by the effect of changes in working capital, including an increase in accounts receivable and higher inventory levels. The increase in accounts receivable was the result of higher sales in May 2013 compared with May 2012 sales. Higher inventories were due to building phosphate rock inventory in fiscal 2013 and entering the year with low finished goods inventory in fiscal 2013 compared to the prior year.
Operating activities provided $2.7 billion of cash for fiscal 2012, primarily driven by net earnings and lower investments in working capital as compared to fiscal 2013.
Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2014 was $2.7 billion, compared to $1.6 billion in the same period a year ago. We completed the CF Phosphate Assets Acquisition and the ADM Acquisition for approximately $1.7 billion and invested $154.6 million in the Wa’ad Al Shamal Joint Venture in 2014. Capital expenditures decreased by $497.5 million in the current year compared to the prior year due to lower Potash expansion spending and the timing of maintenance capital.
Net cash used in investing activities for the seven months ended December 31, 2013 of $1.0 billion was comparable to the same period in the prior year. Capital expenditures decreased slightly in the Stub Period primarily related to our expansion projects in our Potash segment. We also invested $158.9 million in the Wa’ad Al Shamal Joint Venture in the Stub Period.
Net cash used in investing activities for fiscal 2013 was comparable to fiscal 2012 at $1.6 billion. Capital expenditures decreased slightly in fiscal 2013 primarily related to our expansion projects in our Potash segment. We also invested $15.0 million in the Wa’ad Al Shamal Joint Venture.
Investing activities used $1.6 billion of cash for fiscal 2012, primarily related to our expansion projects in our Potash segment.
Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2014 was $2.3 billion, compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $1.5 billion for the same period in the prior year. Cash used in financing activities primarily reflected shares repurchased during the year for an aggregate of approximately $2.8 billion, and dividends paid of $382.5 million, partially offset by proceeds of $800 million from our Term Loan Facility in the current year.
Net cash provided by financing activities for the seven months ended December 31, 2013 was $1.7 billion, compared to net cash used in financing activities of $207.1 million for the same period in the prior year. In the Stub Period we received proceeds of $2.0 billion from a public debt offering consisting of $900 million aggregate principal amount of 4.250% Senior Notes due 2023, $500 million aggregate principal amount of 5.45% Senior Notes due 2033 and $600 million aggregate principal amount of 5.625% Senior Notes due 2043, which were the primary reasons for the increase in net cash provided by financing activities. The proceeds were partially offset by dividends of $213.5 million paid in the Stub Period.
Net cash used in financing activities for fiscal 2013 was $397.8 million, compared to $1.1 billion in fiscal 2012. The primary reason for the decrease in net cash used in financing activities was the repurchase of Class A common stock combined with the redemption of our 7-5/8% Senior Notes that both occurred in fiscal 2012 partially offset by an increase in dividends paid in fiscal 2013.
Net cash used in financing activities for fiscal 2012 was $1.1 billion, primarily due to the repurchase of Class A common stock in the second quarter of fiscal 2012 for $1.2 billion. Additionally, on October 24, 2011, we completed a $750.0 million public offering of our New Senior Notes. We used $505.0 million of the net proceeds from this offering to redeem the remaining $469.3 million aggregate principal amount of our 7-5/8% Senior Notes of our subsidiary, MOS Holdings Inc., on December 1, 2011.
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Debt Instruments, Guarantees and Related Covenants
See Note 11 of our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information relating to our financing arrangements.
Financial Assurance Requirements
In addition to various operational and environmental regulations primarily related to our Phosphates segment, we incur liabilities for reclamation activities under which 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 cash deposits, surety bonds or letters of credit. See Other Commercial Commitments under Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Obligations and Note 20 of our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information about these requirements.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Obligations
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
In accordance with the definition under rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), the following qualify as off-balance sheet arrangements:
• | certain obligations under guarantee contracts that have “any of the characteristics identified in Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) paragraph ASC 460-10-15-4 (Guarantees Topic)” |
• | a retained or contingent interest in assets transferred to an unconsolidated entity or similar arrangement that serves as credit, liquidity or market risk support to that entity for such assets; |
• | any obligation, including a contingent obligation, under a contract that would be accounted for as derivative instruments except that it is both indexed to the registrant’s own stock and classified as equity; and |
• | any obligation, arising out of a variable interest in an unconsolidated entity that is held by, and material to, the registrant, where such entity provides financing, liquidity, market risk or credit risk support to the registrant, or engages in leasing, hedging or research and development services with the registrant. |
Information regarding guarantees that meet the above requirements is included in Note 16 of our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and is hereby incorporated by reference. We do not have any contingent interest in assets transferred, derivative instruments, or variable interest entities that qualify as off-balance sheet arrangements under SEC rules.
Contractual Cash Obligations
The following is a summary of our contractual cash obligations as of December 31, 2014:
Payments by Calendar Year | ||||||||||||||||||||
(in millions) | Total | Less than 1 year | 1 - 3 years | 3 - 5 years | More than 5 years | |||||||||||||||
Long-term debt | $ | 3,819.0 | $ | 41.0 | $ | 409.6 | $ | 448.1 | $ | 2,920.3 | ||||||||||
Estimated interest payments on long-term debt(a) | 2,550.4 | 159.9 | 316.6 | 296.8 | 1,777.1 | |||||||||||||||
Operating leases | 306.2 | 58.0 | 94.0 | 63.6 | 90.6 | |||||||||||||||
Purchase commitments(b) | 8,295.4 | 2,420.6 | 954.5 | 730.9 | 4,189.4 | |||||||||||||||
Pension and postretirement liabilities(c) | 486.9 | 20.4 | 99.0 | 102.8 | 264.7 | |||||||||||||||
Total contractual cash obligations | $ | 15,457.9 | $ | 2,699.9 | $ | 1,873.7 | $ | 1,642.2 | $ | 9,242.1 |
______________________________
(a) | Based on interest rates and debt balances as of December 31, 2014. |
(b) | Based on prevailing market prices as of December 31, 2014. The majority of items more than 5 years are our estimated purchase commitments from our equity investee, the Miski Mayo Mine and under the CF Ammonia Supply Agreements. For additional information related to our purchase commitments, see Note 19 of our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. |
(c) | Calendar 2015 pension plan payments are based on minimum funding requirements. For years thereafter, pension plan payments are based on expected benefits paid. The postretirement plan payments are based on projected benefit payments. |
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In addition to the above, we have an obligation to fund our investment in the Wa’ad Al Shamal Joint Venture of approximately $520 million over the next four years.
Other Commercial Commitments
The following is a summary of our other commercial commitments as of December 31, 2014:
Commitment Expiration by Calendar Year | ||||||||||||||||||||
(in millions) | Total | Less than 1 year | 1 - 3 years | 3 - 5 years | More than 5 years | |||||||||||||||
Letters of credit | $ | 30.2 | $ | 30.2 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | ||||||||||
Surety bonds | 171.6 | 171.1 | 0.2 | 0.3 | — | |||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 201.8 | $ | 201.3 | $ | 0.2 | $ | 0.3 | $ | — |
The surety bonds and letters of credit generally expire within one year or less but a substantial portion of these instruments provide financial assurance for continuing obligations and, therefore, in most cases, must be renewed on an annual basis. We issue Letters of Credit through our Credit Facility and bi-lateral agreements. As of December 31, 2014 we had $23.1 million of outstanding Letters of Credit through our Credit Facility and $7.1 million outstanding through bi-lateral agreements. We primarily incur liabilities for reclamation activities in our Florida operations and for phosphogypsum management system (“Gypstack”) closure in our Florida and Louisiana operations where, in order to obtain necessary permits, we must either pass a test of financial strength or provide credit support, typically in the form of cash deposits, surety bonds or letters of credit. As of December 31, 2014, we had $170.1 million in surety bonds outstanding for reclamation obligations, primarily related to mining in Florida. We have letters of credit directly supporting mining reclamation activity of $1.7 million. The surety bonds generally require us to obtain a discharge of the bonds or to post additional collateral (typically in the form of cash or letters of credit) at the request of the issuer of the bonds.
We are subject to financial responsibility obligations for our Gypstacks in Florida and Louisiana. We are currently in compliance with these financial assurance requirements because our financial strength permits us to meet applicable financial strength tests. However, at various times we have not met the applicable financial strength tests and there can be no assurance that we will be able to meet applicable financial strength tests in Florida and Louisiana in the future. In the event we do not meet either the Florida or Louisiana financial strength test, we could be required to seek an alternate financial strength test acceptable to state regulatory authorities or provide credit support, which may include surety bonds, letters of credit and cash escrows or trust funds. Cash escrows or trust funds would be classified as restricted cash on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Assuming we maintain our current levels of liquidity and capital resources, we do not expect that the Florida and Louisiana requirements will have a material effect on our results of operations, liquidity or capital resources.
Currently, financial assurance requirements in Florida and Louisiana for the closure of Gypstacks are, in general terms, based upon the same assumptions and associated estimated values, as the AROs recognized for financial reporting purposes. For financial reporting purposes, we recognize the AROs based on the estimated future closure and post-closure costs of Gypstacks, the undiscounted value of which is approximately $1.7 billion. The value of the AROs for closure of Mosaic’s Gypstacks, discounted to the present value based on a credit-adjusted risk-free rate, is reflected on our Consolidated Balance Sheets in the amount of approximately $543 million as of December 31, 2014. Compliance with the financial assurance requirements in Florida and Louisiana is generally based on the undiscounted Gypstack closure estimates.
In connection with the Company’s efforts to achieve resolution of certain environmental matters, the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (the “EPA”), together with the States of Louisiana and Florida, seek to require Mosaic to provide financial assurances for the closure of Gypstacks that are significantly more burdensome than the current requirements and would require Mosaic to pre-fund a meaningful portion of the estimated costs to close all the Gypstacks currently, rather than the costs estimated at the end of their useful lives. See the discussions under “Environmental, Health, Safety and Security Matters – Operating Requirements and Impacts – Financial Assurance” below and “EPA RCRA Initiative” in Note 20 of our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on this matter.
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Other Long-Term Obligations
The following is a summary of our other long-term obligations as of December 31, 2014:
Payments by Calendar Year | ||||||||||||||||||||
(in millions) | Total | Less than 1 year | 1 - 3 years | 3 - 5 years | More than 5 years | |||||||||||||||
ARO(a) | $ | 2,052.4 | $ | 82.7 | $ | 148.6 | $ | 139.1 | $ | 1,682.0 |
______________________________
(a) | Represents the undiscounted, inflation adjusted estimated cash outflows required to settle the AROs. The corresponding present value of these future expenditures is $859.5 million as of December 31, 2014, and is reflected in our accrued liabilities and other noncurrent liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. |
Most of our export sales of potash crop nutrients are marketed through a North American export association, Canpotex, which funds its operations in part through third-party financing facilities. As a member, Mosaic or our subsidiaries are, subject to certain conditions and exceptions, contractually obligated to reimburse Canpotex for their pro rata share of any operating expenses or other liabilities incurred. The reimbursements are made through reductions to members’ cash receipts from Canpotex.
Commitments are set forth in Note 19 of our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and are hereby incorporated by reference.
Income Tax Obligations
Gross uncertain tax positions as of December 31, 2014 of $100.6 million are not included in the other long-term obligations table presented above because the timing of the settlement of unrecognized tax benefits cannot be reasonably determined. For further discussion, refer to Note 12 of our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Market Risk
We are exposed to the impact of fluctuations in the relative value of currencies, fluctuations in the purchase price of natural gas, ammonia and sulfur consumed in operations, and changes in freight costs, as well as changes in the market value of our financial instruments. We periodically enter into derivatives in order to mitigate our foreign currency risks and the effects of changing commodity prices and freight prices, but not for speculative purposes.
Foreign Currency Exchange Rates
We use financial instruments, including forward contracts, zero-cost collars and futures, which typically expire within eighteen months, to reduce the impact of foreign currency exchange risk in our cash flows, not the foreign currency volatility in our earnings.
One of the primary currency exposures relates to several of our Canadian entities, whose sales are denominated in U.S. dollars, but whose costs are paid principally in Canadian dollars, which is their functional currency. We generally enter into derivative instruments for a portion of the currency risk exposure on anticipated cash inflows and outflows, including contractual outflows for our Potash expansion and other capital expenditures denominated in Canadian dollars. A stronger Canadian dollar generally reduces these entities’ operating earnings. A weaker Canadian dollar has the opposite effect. Depending on the underlying exposure, such derivatives can create additional earnings volatility because we do not use hedge accounting. Gains or losses on these derivative contracts, both for open contracts at quarter end (unrealized) and settled contracts (realized), are recorded in either cost of goods sold or foreign currency transaction loss (gain).
The functional currency for our Brazilian subsidiaries is the Brazilian real. We finance our Brazilian inventory purchases with U.S. dollar denominated liabilities. A stronger Brazilian real relative to the U.S. dollar has the impact of reducing these liabilities on a functional currency basis. When this occurs, an associated foreign currency transaction gain is recorded as non-operating income. A weaker Brazilian real has the opposite effect. We also enter into derivative instruments for a portion of our currency risk exposure on anticipated cash flows, and record an associated gain or loss in the foreign currency transaction gain and loss line in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
As discussed above, we have Canadian dollar, Brazilian real, and other foreign currency exchange contracts. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the fair value of our major foreign currency exchange contracts were ($35.2) million and ($17.4) million, respectively. We recorded an unrealized loss of $16.7 million in cost of goods sold and recorded an unrealized loss of $2.8 million in foreign currency transaction gain (losses) in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings for 2014.
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The table below provides information about Mosaic’s significant foreign exchange derivatives.
As of December 31, 2014 | As of December 31, 2013 | ||||||||||||||||||
Expected Maturity Date Years ending December 31, | Expected Maturity Date Year ending December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||
(in millions) | 2015 | 2016 | Fair Value | 2014 | Fair Value | ||||||||||||||
Foreign Currency Exchange Forwards | |||||||||||||||||||
Canadian Dollar | $ | (36.6 | ) | $ | (13.3 | ) | |||||||||||||
Notional (million US$) - long Canadian dollars | $ | 732.9 | $ | 66.5 | $ | 687.9 | |||||||||||||
Weighted Average Rate - Canadian dollar to U.S. dollar | 1.1120 | 1.1286 | 1.0467 | ||||||||||||||||
Foreign Currency Exchange Non-Deliverable Forwards | |||||||||||||||||||
Brazilian Real | $ | (0.9 | ) | $ | (3.0 | ) | |||||||||||||
Notional (million US$) - short Brazilian real | $ | 136.1 | $ | — | $ | 87.2 | |||||||||||||
Weighted Average Rate - Brazilian real to U.S. dollar | 2.6483 | — | 2.3849 | ||||||||||||||||
Notional (million US$) - long Brazilian real | $ | 96.5 | $ | — | $ | 45.7 | |||||||||||||
Weighted Average Rate - Brazilian real to U.S. dollar | 2.6661 | — | 2.2559 | ||||||||||||||||
Indian Rupee | $ | 2.3 | $ | (1.1 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Notional (million US$) - short Indian rupee | $ | 100.3 | $ | — | $ | 104.5 | |||||||||||||
Weighted Average Rate - Indian rupee to U.S. dollar | 62.7853 | — | 63.9091 | ||||||||||||||||
Total Fair Value | $ | (35.2 | ) | $ | (17.4 | ) |
Commodities
We use forward purchase contracts, swaps and occasionally three-way collars to reduce the risk related to significant price changes in our inputs and product prices.
Our commodities contracts do not qualify for hedge accounting; therefore, all gains and losses are recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Gains and losses on commodities contracts are recorded in cost of goods sold in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the fair value of our major natural gas commodities contracts were ($12.6) million and ($0.6) million, respectively. We recorded an unrealized loss of $12.0 million in cost of goods sold on the Consolidated Statements of Earnings in calendar year 2014.
Our primary commodities exposure relates to price changes in natural gas.
The table below provides information about Mosaic’s natural gas derivatives which are used to manage the risk related to significant price changes in natural gas.
As of December 31, 2014 | As of December 31, 2013 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Expected Maturity Date Years ending December 31, | Fair Value | Expected Maturity Date Years ending December 31, | Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||||||
(in millions) | 2015 | 2016 | 2014 | 2015 | |||||||||||||||||||
Natural Gas Swaps | $ | (12.6 | ) | $ | (0.6 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Notional (million MMBtu) - long | 14.1 | 10.3 | 7.2 | 1.0 | |||||||||||||||||||
Weighted Average Rate (US$/MMBtu) | $ | 3.35 | $ | 3.33 | $ | 3.71 | $ | 3.82 | |||||||||||||||
Total Fair Value | $ | (12.6 | ) | $ | (0.6 | ) |
Summary
Overall, there have been no material changes in our primary market risk exposures since the prior year. We do not expect any material changes in our primary risk exposures. For additional information related to derivatives, see Notes 14 and 15 of our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
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Environmental, Health, Safety and Security Matters
We are subject to an evolving complex of international, federal, state, provincial and local environmental, health, safety and security (“EHS”) laws that govern the production, distribution and use of crop nutrients and animal feed ingredients. These EHS laws regulate or propose to regulate: (i) conduct of mining, production and supply chain operations, including employee safety and facility security procedures; (ii) management and/or remediation of potential impacts to air, soil and water quality from our operations; (iii) disposal of waste materials; (iv) reclamation of lands after mining; (v) management and handling of raw materials; (vi) product content; and (vii) use of products by both us and our customers.
We have a comprehensive EHS management program that seeks to achieve sustainable, predictable and verifiable EHS performance. Key elements of our EHS program include: (i) identifying and managing EHS risk; (ii) complying with legal requirements; (iii) improving our EHS procedures and protocols; (iv) educating employees regarding EHS obligations; (v) retaining and developing professional qualified EHS staff; (vi) evaluating facility conditions; (vii) evaluating and enhancing safe workplace behaviors; (viii) performing audits; (ix) formulating EHS action plans; and (x) assuring accountability of all managers and other employees for EHS performance. Our business units are responsible for implementing day-to-day elements of our EHS program, assisted by an integrated staff of EHS professionals. We conduct audits to verify that each facility has identified risks, achieved regulatory compliance, implemented continuous EHS improvement, and incorporated EHS management systems into day-to-day business functions.
New or proposed regulatory programs can present significant challenges in ascertaining future compliance obligations, implementing compliance plans, and estimating future costs until implementing regulations have been finalized and definitive regulatory interpretations have been adopted. New or proposed regulatory requirements may require modifications to our facilities or to operating procedures and these modifications may involve significant capital costs or increases in operating costs.
We have expended, and anticipate that we will continue to expend, substantial financial and managerial resources to comply with EHS standards and to continue to improve our environmental stewardship. In 2015, excluding capital expenditures arising out of the possible settlement referred to under “EPA RCRA Initiative” in Note 20 of our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, we expect environmental capital expenditures to total approximately $180 million, primarily related to: (i) modification or construction of waste management infrastructure and water treatment systems; (ii) construction and modification projects associated with Gypstacks and clay settling ponds at our Phosphates facilities and tailings management areas for our Potash mining and processing facilities; (iii) upgrading or new construction of air pollution control equipment at some of the concentrates plants; and (iv) capital projects associated with remediation of contamination at current or former operations. Additional expenditures for land reclamation, Gypstack closure and water treatment activities are expected to total approximately $130 million in 2015. In 2016, we estimate environmental capital expenditures will be approximately $190 million and expenditures for land reclamation activities, Gypstack closure and water treatment activities are expected to be approximately $140 million. In the year ended December 31, 2014 and the seven months ended December 31, 2013, we spent approximately $300 and $130 million, respectively, for environmental capital expenditures, land reclamation activities, Gypstack closure and water treatment activities. No assurance can be given that greater-than-anticipated EHS capital expenditures or land reclamation, Gypstack closure or water treatment expenditures will not be required in 2015 or in the future.
Operating Requirements and Impacts
Permitting. We hold numerous environmental, mining and other permits or approvals authorizing operation at each of our facilities. Our ability to continue operations at a facility could be materially affected by a government agency decision to deny or delay issuing a new or renewed permit or approval, to revoke or substantially modify an existing permit or approval, to substantially change conditions applicable to a permit modification, or by legal actions that successfully challenge our permits.
Expanding our operations or extending operations into new areas is also predicated upon securing the necessary environmental or other permits or approvals. We have been engaged in, and over the next several years will be continuing, efforts to obtain permits in support of our anticipated Florida mining operations at certain of our properties. For years, we have successfully permitted mining properties and anticipate that we will be able to permit these properties as well.
A denial of our permits, the issuance of permits with cost-prohibitive conditions, substantial delays in issuing key permits, legal actions that prevent us from relying on permits or revocation of permits can prevent or delay our mining at the affected properties and thereby materially affect our business, results of operations, liquidity or financial condition:
The Altman Extension of the Four Corners Mine. In fiscal 2009, in connection with our efforts to permit the Altman Extension (the “Altman Extension”) of our Four Corners, Florida, phosphate rock mine, non-governmental organizations for the first time filed a lawsuit in federal court contesting the actions by the U.S. Army Corps of
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Engineers (the “Corps”) in issuing a federal wetlands permit. This lawsuit was dismissed by the court in September 2013.
The Hardee County Extension of the South Fort Meade Mine. Delays in receiving a federal wetlands permit impacted the scheduled progression of mining activities for the extension of our South Fort Meade, Florida, phosphate rock mine into Hardee County. As a result, we began to idle a portion of our mining equipment at the mine in the latter part of fiscal 2010. In June 2010, the Corps issued the federal wetlands permit. Subsequently, certain non-governmental organizations filed a lawsuit against the Corps contesting its issuance of this federal wetlands permit, alleging that the actions by the Corps in issuing the permit violated certain federal laws relating to the protection of the environment. Preliminary injunctions entered into for this lawsuit subsequently resulted in shutdowns or reduced production at our South Fort Meade mine. Following the settlement of the lawsuit in February 2012 and court approval, we were able to resume normal production at our South Fort Meade mine.
The periods of shutdown or reduced production at our South Fort Meade mine resulted in costs to suspend operations and idle plant costs, and lower phosphate rock mining production levels also adversely affected gross margin. Because of our successful execution of mitigation measures, our sales volumes were not significantly impacted. Our mitigation activities included a partial settlement that allowed us to mine a limited portion of our reserves in Hardee County; drawing down existing phosphate rock and finished product inventories; sourcing rock from our investment in the Miski Mayo Mine; purchasing phosphate rock from third parties where reasonable; and maximizing production at our other phosphate mines.
Central Florida Phosphate District Area-Wide Environmental Impact Statement. In fiscal 2011, the Corps notified us that it planned to conduct an area-wide environmental impact statement (“AEIS”) for the central Florida phosphate district. On June 1, 2012 the Corps published notice of availability of the draft AEIS in the Federal Register and announced that it would accept public comment on the draft AEIS through July 31, 2012. We, along with other members of the public, submitted comments for the Corps to consider as it completed the final AEIS. The Corps issued the final AEIS on April 25, 2013. The final AEIS includes information on environmental impacts upon which the Corps will rely in its consideration of our pending federal wetlands permits for future mining of our Wingate, Ona and DeSoto phosphate rock reserves.
Local Community Involvement. In addition, in Florida, local community involvement has become an increasingly important factor in the permitting process for mining companies, and various counties and other parties in Florida have in the past filed and continue to file lawsuits challenging the issuance of some of the permits we require. These actions can significantly delay permit issuance.
Waters of the United States. In April 2014, the EPA and the Corps jointly issued a proposed rule that would redefine the scope of waters regulated under the federal Clean Water Act. We believe the new definition would expand the types and extent of water resources regulated under federal law, thereby potentially expanding our permitting and reporting requirements, increasing our costs of compliance, including costs associated with wetlands and stream mitigation, lengthening the time necessary to obtain permits, and restricting our ability to mine certain of our phosphate rock reserves.
Water Quality Regulations for Nutrient Discharges. There are several ongoing initiatives relating to nutrient discharges. New regulatory restrictions from these initiatives could have a material effect on either us or our customers. For example:
Water Quality Regulations for Nutrient Discharges in Florida. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection ("FDEP") has adopted state nutrient criteria rules (the "Florida NNC Rule") to supplant the requirements of numeric water quality standards for the discharge of nitrogen and/or phosphorus into Florida lakes and streams that were adopted by the EPA in December 2010 (the "NNC Rule"). While the EPA has withdrawn the federal NNC Rule and the FDEP criteria now are effective, the possibility remains that still-pending litigation relating to the NNC Rule future litigation could challenge the EPA's withdrawal or the effectiveness of the Florida NNC Rule. Subject to further litigation developments, we expect that compliance with the requirements of nutrient criteria rules could adversely affect our Florida Phosphate operations, require significant capital expenditures or substantially increase our annual operating expenses.
Nutrient Discharges into the Gulf of Mexico and Mississippi River Basin. The Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Task Force, established by executive order of the President and comprised of five Gulf states and eleven federal agencies, has delivered a final strategy for long-term ecosystem restoration for the Gulf Coast. The strategy calls for, among other matters, reduction of the flow of excess nutrients into the Gulf of Mexico through state nutrient reduction frameworks, new nutrient reduction approaches and reduction of agricultural and urban sources of excess nutrients. Implementation of the strategy will require legislative or regulatory action at the state level. We cannot predict what
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the requirements of any such legislative or regulatory action could be or whether or how it would affect us or our customers.
In March 2012, several non-governmental organizations brought a lawsuit in federal court against the EPA, seeking to require it to establish numeric nutrient criteria for nitrogen and phosphorous in the Mississippi River basin and the Gulf of Mexico. The EPA had previously denied a 2008 petition seeking such standards. On May 30, 2012, the court granted our motion to intervene in this lawsuit. On September 20, 2013 the court held that, while the EPA was required to respond directly to the petition and find that numeric nutrient criteria either were or were not necessary for the Mississippi River watershed, the EPA had the discretion to decide this issue based on non-technical factors, including cost, policy considerations, administrative complexity and other issues. The EPA appealed the district court decision, and oral argument before the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals was heard on December 5, 2014. The court's decision on that appeal is pending. If necessary, we intend to defend vigorously the EPA’s decision. In the event that the EPA were to establish numeric nutrient criteria for nitrogen and phosphorous in the Mississippi River basin and the Gulf of Mexico, we cannot predict what its requirements would be or the effects it would have on us or our customers.
Other Nutrient Issues. We continue to monitor proposed regulations and policies prompted by the 2014 algal bloom in Lake Erie. We cannot predict the effects such initiatives might have to our operations or those of our customers.
Reclamation Obligations. During our phosphate mining operations, we remove overburden in order to retrieve phosphate rock reserves. Once we have finished mining in an area, we return overburden and sand tailings and reclaim the area in accordance with approved reclamation plans and applicable laws. We have incurred and will continue to incur significant costs to fulfill our reclamation obligations.
Management of Residual Materials and Closure of Management Areas. Mining and processing of potash and phosphate generate residual materials that must be managed both during the operation of the facility and upon facility closure. Potash tailings, consisting primarily of salt and clay, are stored in surface disposal sites. Phosphate clay residuals from mining are deposited in clay settling ponds. Processing of phosphate rock with sulfuric acid generates phosphogypsum that is stored in Gypstacks.
During the life of the tailings management areas, clay settling ponds and Gypstacks, we have incurred and will continue to incur significant costs to manage our potash and phosphate residual materials in accordance with environmental laws and regulations and with permit requirements. Additional legal and permit requirements will take effect when these facilities are closed. Our asset retirement obligations are further discussed in Note 13 of our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Financial Assurance. Separate from our accounting treatment for reclamation and closure liabilities, some jurisdictions in which we operate have required us either to pass a test of financial strength or provide credit support, typically cash deposits, surety bonds, financial guarantees or letters of credit, to address phosphate mining reclamation liabilities and closure liabilities for clay settling areas and Gypstacks. See Other Commercial Commitments under Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Obligations above for additional information about these requirements. Among other matters, the EPA is engaged in an ongoing review of mineral processing industries, including us and other phosphoric acid producers, under the U.S. Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. We are negotiating with the government the terms of a possible settlement of certain matters related to this review. The final terms of this possible settlement are not yet agreed or approved; however, if a settlement can be achieved, in all likelihood our multi-faceted commitments would include as one of its key elements our deposit into one or more trust funds of cash in an amount currently estimated at approximately $625 million to pre-fund a material portion of our existing asset retirement obligations for closure and post-closure care of our Gypstacks. The funds would be classified as restricted cash on our balance sheet. See the discussion under “EPA RCRA Initiative” in Note 20 of our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information about this matter.
We have accepted a proposal by the Province of Saskatchewan under which we would establish a trust valued at $25 million in satisfaction of financial assurance requirements for closure of our Saskatchewan potash facilities. The trust is to be fully funded by us by 2021 in equal annual installments which began in July 2014.
Climate Change
We are committed to finding ways to meet the challenges of crop nutrient and animal feed ingredient production and distribution in the context of the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. While focused on helping the world grow the food it needs, we have proven our commitment to using our resources more efficiently and have implemented innovative energy recovery technologies that result in our generation of much of the energy we need, particularly in our U.S. Phosphates operations, from high efficiency heat recovery systems that result in lower greenhouse gas emissions.
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Climate Change Regulation. Various governmental initiatives to limit greenhouse gas emissions are under way or under consideration around the world. These initiatives could restrict our operating activities, require us to make changes in our operating activities that would increase our operating costs, reduce our efficiency or limit our output, require us to make capital improvements to our facilities, increase our energy, raw material and transportation costs or limit their availability, or otherwise adversely affect our results of operations, liquidity or capital resources, and these effects could be material to us.
The direct greenhouse gas emissions from our operations result primarily from:
• | Combustion of natural gas to produce steam and dry potash products at our Belle Plaine, Saskatchewan, potash solution mine. To a lesser extent, at our potash shaft mines, natural gas is used as a fuel to heat fresh air supplied to the shaft mines and for drying potash products. |
• | The use of natural gas as a feedstock in the production of ammonia at our Faustina, Louisiana phosphates plant. |
• | Process reactions from naturally occurring carbonates in phosphate rock. |
In addition, the production of energy and raw materials that we purchase from unrelated parties for use in our business and energy used in the transportation of our products and raw materials are a source of greenhouse gas emissions.
Governmental greenhouse gas emission initiatives include among others:
• | Initiatives in the United States: Various legislative or regulatory initiatives relating to greenhouse gases have been adopted or considered by the U.S. Congress, the EPA or various states. We do not believe that any such legislation or regulation that has been adopted has had, or that any such legislation or regulation that is currently under active consideration is reasonably likely to have, a material adverse effect on our results of operations, liquidity or capital resources. It is possible, however, that future legislation or regulation addressing climate change could adversely affect our operating activities, energy, raw material and transportation costs, results of operations, liquidity or capital resources, and these effects could be material. |
Our continuing focus on operational excellence in our Phosphates business segment is helping us reduce our indirect greenhouse gas emissions. For example, normal chemical processes in our U.S. Phosphates’ operations generate heat that can be captured and converted into electricity to replace some of the electricity we currently purchase. We already have waste heat recovery systems that generate a portion of our U.S. Phosphates’ electricity needs and are continuing waste heat recovery initiatives that will deliver significant additional energy savings. These initiatives, along with energy efficiency and conservation measures, are intended to offset most or all of our U.S. Phosphates’ electricity purchases and are expected to significantly reduce the indirect greenhouse gas emissions associated with our Phosphates business. Mosaic voluntarily quantifies and publically reports greenhouse gas emissions beyond current regulatory requirements, including emissions from transportation of raw materials and finished products.
• | Initiatives in Canada. Canada remains committed to addressing climate change. Under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Canada signed the Copenhagen Accord in December 2009 and committed to reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to 17% below 2005 levels by 2020. The government is pursuing a sector-by-sector regulatory approach aligned with the United States, where appropriate. Our Saskatchewan Potash facilities continue to work with the Canadian Fertilizer Institute and Environment Canada on a sector based approach |
In May 2009, the Province of Saskatchewan, in which our Canadian potash mines are located, began to consider legislation intended to lead to the development and administration of climate change regulation in Saskatchewan by the Province rather than the federal government. Key elements under consideration by the Province include a primary focus on achieving the 20% reduction by 2020. Under the proposed framework, compliance mechanisms such as the Technology Fund, Recognition for Early Action, Pre-Certified Investments, Emission Intensive Trade Exposed credits and carbon offsets would be established to provide flexibility for regulated emitters to meet their greenhouse gas reduction obligations.
We continue to work with the Canadian Fertilizer Institute, Saskatchewan Mining Association and Saskatchewan Potash Producers Association in negotiating with the Canadian federal and provincial governments, focusing on, among other matters, energy reduction initiatives as a means for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and addressing the implications of implementation of greenhouse gas emissions regulations in Canada on the competitiveness of Canadian industry in the global marketplace.
We continue to focus on energy efficiency initiatives within our operations. As part of our recently completed and ongoing capital project activities, the Potash business unit is installing higher efficiency motors and electrical systems that reduce energy requirements compared to older equipment.
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• | International Initiatives. Although international negotiations concerning greenhouse gas emission reductions and other responses to climate change are underway, final obligations in the post-Kyoto Protocol period after 2012 remain undefined. Any new international agreements addressing climate change could adversely affect our operating activities, energy, raw material and transportation costs, results of operations, liquidity or capital resources, and these effects could be material. In addition, to the extent climate change restrictions imposed in countries where our competitors operate, such as China, India, Former Soviet Union countries or Morocco, are less stringent than in the United States or Canada, our competitors could gain cost or other competitive advantages over us. |
Operating Impacts Due to Climate Change. The prospective impact of potential climate change on our operations and those of our customers and farmers remains uncertain. Some scientists have hypothesized that the impacts of climate change could include changes in rainfall patterns, water shortages, changing sea levels, changing storm patterns and intensities, and changing temperature levels and that these changes could be severe. These impacts could vary by geographic location. Severe climate change could impact our costs and operating activities, the location and cost of global grain and oilseed production, and the supply and demand for grains and oilseeds. At the present time, we cannot predict the prospective impact of potential climate change on our results of operations, liquidity or capital resources, or whether any such effects could be material to us.
Remedial Activities
The U.S. Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, commonly known as CERCLA or the Superfund law, and state analogues, impose liability, without regard to fault or to the legality of a party’s conduct, on certain categories of persons, including those who have disposed of “hazardous substances” at a third-party location. Under Superfund, or its various state analogues, one party may be responsible for the entire site, regardless of fault or the locality of its disposal activity. We have contingent environmental remedial liabilities that arise principally from three sources which are further discussed below: (i) facilities currently or formerly owned by our subsidiaries or their predecessors; (ii) facilities adjacent to currently or formerly owned facilities; and (iii) third-party Superfund or state equivalent sites where we are alleged to have disposed of hazardous materials. Taking into consideration established accruals for environmental remedial matters of approximately $32.5 million as of December 31, 2014, expenditures for these known conditions currently are not expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a material effect on our business or financial condition. However, material expenditures could be required in the future to remediate the contamination at known sites or at other current or former sites.
Remediation at Our Facilities. Many of our formerly owned or current facilities have been in operation for a number of years. The historical use and handling of regulated chemical substances, crop and animal nutrients and additives as well as by-product or process tailings at these facilities by us and predecessor operators have resulted in soil, surface water and groundwater impacts.
At many of these facilities, spills or other releases of regulated substances have occurred previously and potentially could occur in the future, possibly requiring us to undertake or fund cleanup efforts under Superfund or otherwise. In some instances, we have agreed, pursuant to consent orders or agreements with the appropriate governmental agencies, to undertake certain investigations, which currently are in progress, to determine whether remedial action may be required to address site impacts. At other locations, we have entered into consent orders or agreements with appropriate governmental agencies to perform required remedial activities that will address identified site conditions. Taking into account established accruals, future expenditures for these known conditions currently are not expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect on our business or financial condition. However, material expenditures by us could be required in the future to remediate the environmental impacts at these or at other current or former sites.
Remediation at Third-Party Facilities. Various third parties have alleged that our historical operations have impacted neighboring off-site areas or nearby third-party facilities. In some instances, we have agreed, pursuant to orders from or agreements with appropriate governmental agencies or agreements with private parties, to undertake or fund investigations, some of which currently are in progress, to determine whether remedial action, under Superfund or otherwise, may be required to address off-site impacts. Our remedial liability at these sites, either alone or in the aggregate, taking into account established accruals, currently is not expected to have a material adverse effect on our business or financial condition. As more information is obtained regarding these sites, this expectation could change.
Liability for Off-Site Disposal Locations. Currently, we are involved or concluding involvement for off-site disposal at several Superfund or equivalent state sites. Moreover, we previously have entered into settlements to resolve liability with regard to Superfund or equivalent state sites. In some cases, such settlements have included “reopeners,” which could result in additional liability at such sites in the event of newly discovered contamination or other circumstances. Our remedial liability at such disposal sites, either alone or in the aggregate, currently is not expected to have a material adverse effect on our business or financial condition. As more information is obtained regarding these sites and the potentially responsible parties involved, this expectation could change.
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Product Requirements and Impacts
International, federal, state and provincial standards require us to register many of our products before these products can be sold. The standards also impose labeling requirements on these products and require us to manufacture the products to formulations set forth on the labels. We believe that, when handled and used as intended, based on the available data, crop nutrient materials do not pose harm to human health or the environment and that any additional standards or regulatory requirements relating to product requirements and impacts will not have a material adverse effect on our business or financial condition.
Additional Information
For additional information about phosphate mine permitting in Florida, our environmental liabilities, the environmental proceedings in which we are involved, our asset retirement obligations related to environmental matters, and our related accounting policies, see Environmental Liabilities and AROs under Critical Accounting Estimates above and Notes 3, 13, and 20 of our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Sustainability
We are committed to making informed choices that improve our corporate governance, financial strength, operational efficiency, environmental stewardship, community engagement and resource management. Through these efforts, we intend to sustain our business and experience lasting success.
We have included, or incorporate by reference, throughout this annual report on Form 10-K discussions of various matters relating to our sustainability, in its broadest sense, that we believe may be material to our investors. These matters include but are not limited to discussions about: corporate governance including the leadership and respective roles of our Board of Directors, its committees and management as well as succession planning; recent and prospective developments in our business; product development; risk, enterprise risk management and risk oversight; the regulatory and permitting environment for our business and ongoing regulatory and permitting initiatives; executive compensation practices; employee and contractor safety; and other EHS matters including climate change, water management, energy and other operational efficiency initiatives, reclamation and asset retirement obligations. Other matters relating to sustainability are included in our sustainability reports that are available on our website at www.mosaicco.com/sustainability. Our sustainability reports are not incorporated by reference in this annual report on Form 10-K.
Contingencies
Information regarding contingencies in Note 20 of our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements is incorporated herein by reference.
Related Parties
Information regarding related party transactions is set forth in Note 21 of our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and is incorporated herein by reference.
Recently Issued Accounting Guidance
Recently issued accounting guidance is set forth in Note 4 of our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and is incorporated herein by reference.
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 statements include, among other things, statements about our expectations, beliefs, intentions or strategies for the future, including statements about the Wa’ad Al Shamal Joint Venture, the CF Phosphate Assets Acquisition, CF Ammonia Supply Agreements, the ADM Acquisition, or the Cargill Transaction, and their nature, impact and benefits, 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.
F-33
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:
• | 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; |
• | changes in farmers’ application rates for crop nutrients; |
• | changes in the operation of world phosphate or potash markets, including continuing consolidation in the crop nutrient industry, particularly if we do not participate in the consolidation; |
• | pressure on prices realized by us for our products; |
• | 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 proving runs by members of Canpotex to prove the production capacity of potash expansion projects; |
• | the expected cost of the Wa’ad Al Shamal Joint Venture and our expected investment in it, the amount, terms, availability and sufficiency of funding for the Wa’ad Al Shamal Joint Venture from us, Ma’aden, SABIC and existing or future external sources, the ability of the Wa’ad Al Shamal Joint Venture to obtain additional planned funding in acceptable amounts and upon acceptable terms, the future success of current plans for the joint venture and any future changes in those plans; |
• | build-up of inventories in the distribution channels for our products that can adversely affect our sales volumes and selling prices; |
• | seasonality in our business that results in the need to carry significant amounts of inventory and seasonal peaks in working capital requirements, and may result in excess inventory or product shortages; |
• | 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; |
• | rapid drops in the prices for our products that can require us to write down our inventories to the lower of cost or market; |
• | the effects on our customers of holding high cost inventories of crop nutrients in periods of rapidly declining market prices for crop nutrients; |
• | 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; |
• | customer expectations about future trends in the selling prices and availability of our products and in farmer economics; |
• | disruptions to existing transportation or terminaling facilities, including those of export associations or joint ventures in which we participate; |
• | shortages of railcars, barges and ships for carrying our products and raw materials; |
• | the effects of and change in trade, monetary, environmental, tax and fiscal policies, laws and regulations; |
• | foreign exchange rates and fluctuations in those rates; |
• | tax regulations, currency exchange controls and other restrictions that may affect our ability to optimize the use of our liquidity; |
• | other risks associated with our international operations, including any potential adverse effects related to our joint venture interest in the Miski Mayo mine in the event that protests against natural resource companies in Peru were to extend to or impact the Miski Mayo mine; |
• | adverse weather conditions affecting our operations, including the impact of potential hurricanes, excessive heat, cold, snow or rainfall, or drought; |
• | 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; |
• | changes in the environmental and other governmental regulation that applies to our operations, including the possibility of further federal or state legislation or regulatory action affecting greenhouse gas emissions 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; |
F-34
• | 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; |
• | the financial resources of our competitors, including state-owned and government-subsidized entities in other countries; |
• | 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, particularly when we are exiting our business operations or locations that produced or sold the products to that customer; |
• | any significant reduction in customers’ liquidity or access to credit that they need to purchase our products; |
• | rates of return on, and the investment risks associated with, our cash balances; |
• | our use of cash and/or available debt capacity to fund share repurchases, including past repurchases under the MAC Trusts Share Repurchase Agreement, financial assurance requirements arising in our business and strategic investments, that has reduced and is expected to continue to reduce our available cash and liquidity and increase our leverage; |
• | the effectiveness of our risk management strategy; |
• | the effectiveness of the processes we put in place to manage our significant strategic priorities, including the expansion of our Potash business, our investment in the Wa’ad Al Shamal Joint Venture, the CF Phosphate Assets Acquisition and ADM Acquisition and to successfully integrate and grow acquired businesses; |
• | actual costs of various items differing from management’s current estimates, including, among others, asset retirement, environmental remediation, reclamation or other environmental obligations, Canadian resource taxes and royalties, the liabilities we assumed in the CF Phosphate Assets Acquisition and ADM Acquisition or the costs of the Wa’ad Al Shamal Joint Venture, its existing or future funding and our commitments in support of such funding; |
• | 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, resolution of global tax audit activity, and other further developments in legal proceedings and regulatory matters; |
• | the success of our efforts to attract and retain highly qualified and motivated employees; |
• | strikes, labor stoppages or slowdowns by our work force or increased costs resulting from unsuccessful labor contract negotiations; |
• | brine inflows at our Esterhazy, Saskatchewan potash mine as well as potential inflows at our other shaft mines; |
• | accidents involving our operations, including potential fires, explosions, seismic events or releases of hazardous or volatile chemicals; |
• | terrorism 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; |
• | other disruptions of operations at any of our key production and distribution facilities, particularly when they are operating at high operating rates; |
• | changes in antitrust and competition laws or their enforcement; |
• | actions by the holders of controlling equity interests in businesses in which we hold a noncontrolling interest; |
• | changes in our relationships with other members of export associations and joint ventures in which we participate or their or our exit from participation in such export associations and joint ventures, and other changes in our commercial arrangements with unrelated third parties; |
• | the adequacy of our property, business interruption and casualty insurance policies to cover potential hazards and risks incident to our business, and our willingness and ability to maintain current levels of insurance coverage as a result of market conditions, our loss experience and other factors; |
• | potential liabilities imposed on us by the agreements relating to the Cargill Transaction; |
• | difficulties in fully realizing the benefits of the CF Phosphate Assets Acquisition or the CF Ammonia Supply Agreements, including the risks that: the anticipated cost or capital expenditure savings from the transactions may not be fully realized or may take longer to realize than expected; regulatory agencies might not take, or might delay, actions with respect to permitting or regulatory enforcement matters that are necessary for us to fully realize the benefits of the transactions; or the price of natural gas will rise or the market price for ammonia will fall to a level at which the natural gas based pricing under one of the long term CF Ammonia Supply Agreements becomes disadvantageous to us; and |
F-35
• | other risk factors reported from time to time in our Securities and Exchange Commission reports. |
Material uncertainties and other factors known to us are discussed in Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” of our annual report on Form 10-K for the calendar year ended December 31, 2014 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.
F-36
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
The Mosaic Company:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of The Mosaic Company and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive income, cash flows, and equity for the year ended December 31, 2014, the seven-month period ended December 31, 2013, and the years ended May 31, 2013 and 2012. In connection with our audits of the consolidated financial statements, we also have audited financial statement Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts. We also have audited The Mosaic Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Mosaic Company’s management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, the financial statement schedule, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements, financial statement schedule, and an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of The Mosaic Company and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2014, the seven months ended December 31, 2013, and the years ended May 31, 2013 and 2012, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. In our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects, the information set forth therein. Also in our opinion, The Mosaic Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
F-37
The Mosaic Company acquired the Florida phosphate business of CF Industries, Inc. on March 17, 2014 and the fertilizer distribution business of Archer Daniels Midland on December 17, 2014 (collectively, the Acquired Businesses). Management excluded from its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, the Acquired Businesses’ internal control over financial reporting associated with approximately nine percent of The Mosaic Company’s total assets as of December 31, 2014 and approximately six percent of The Mosaic Company's total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2014.
/s/ KPMG LLP
Minneapolis, Minnesota
February 17, 2015
F-38
Consolidated Statements of Earnings
In millions, except per share amounts
Year Ended December 31, | Seven Months Ended December 31, | Years Ended May 31, | |||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||||
Net sales | $ | 9,055.8 | $ | 4,765.9 | $ | 9,974.1 | $ | 11,107.8 | |||||||
Cost of goods sold | 7,129.2 | 3,937.6 | 7,213.9 | 8,022.8 | |||||||||||
Gross margin | 1,926.6 | 828.3 | 2,760.2 | 3,085.0 | |||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses | 382.4 | 211.8 | 427.3 | 410.1 | |||||||||||
(Gain) loss on assets sold and to be sold | (16.4 | ) | 122.8 | — | — | ||||||||||
Carlsbad restructuring expense | 125.4 | — | — | — | |||||||||||
Other operating expenses | 123.4 | 76.8 | 123.3 | 63.8 | |||||||||||
Operating earnings | 1,311.8 | 416.9 | 2,209.6 | 2,611.1 | |||||||||||
(Loss) gain in value of share repurchase agreement | (60.2 | ) | 73.2 | — | — | ||||||||||
Interest (expense) income, net | (107.6 | ) | (13.3 | ) | 18.8 | 18.7 | |||||||||
Foreign currency transaction gain (loss) | 79.1 | 16.5 | (15.9 | ) | 16.9 | ||||||||||
Other (expense) income | (5.8 | ) | (9.1 | ) | 2.0 | (17.8 | ) | ||||||||
Earnings from consolidated companies before income taxes | 1,217.3 | 484.2 | 2,214.5 | 2,628.9 | |||||||||||
Provision for income taxes | 184.7 | 152.6 | 341.0 | 711.4 | |||||||||||
Earnings from consolidated companies | 1,032.6 | 331.6 | 1,873.5 | 1,917.5 | |||||||||||
Equity in net earnings (loss) of nonconsolidated companies | (2.2 | ) | 10.9 | 18.3 | 13.3 | ||||||||||
Net earnings including noncontrolling interests | 1,030.4 | 342.5 | 1,891.8 | 1,930.8 | |||||||||||
Less: Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests | 1.8 | 2.5 | 3.1 | 0.6 | |||||||||||
Net earnings attributable to Mosaic | $ | 1,028.6 | $ | 340.0 | $ | 1,888.7 | $ | 1,930.2 | |||||||
Basic net earnings per share attributable to Mosaic | $ | 2.69 | $ | 0.80 | $ | 4.44 | $ | 4.44 | |||||||
Basic weighted average number of shares outstanding | 374.1 | 420.8 | 425.7 | 435.2 | |||||||||||
Diluted net earnings per share attributable to Mosaic | $ | 2.68 | $ | 0.80 | $ | 4.42 | $ | 4.42 | |||||||
Diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding | 375.6 | 422.0 | 426.9 | 436.5 |
See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
F-39
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
In millions
Year Ended December 31, | Seven Months Ended December 31, | Years Ended May 31, | |||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||||
Net earnings including noncontrolling interest | $ | 1,030.4 | $ | 342.5 | $ | 1,891.8 | $ | 1,930.8 | |||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax | |||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation, net of tax of $87.0, $34.1, ($16.0), and $28.0, respectively | (560.8 | ) | (226.8 | ) | (46.6 | ) | (307.4 | ) | |||||||
Net actuarial gain (loss) and prior service cost, net of tax of $20.5, $20.9, $5.7, and $14.6, respectively | (38.2 | ) | 34.5 | (5.7 | ) | (28.7 | ) | ||||||||
Realized gain (loss) on interest rate swap, net of tax of $6.3 | 9.0 | (21.1 | ) | — | — | ||||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) | (590.0 | ) | (213.4 | ) | (52.3 | ) | (336.1 | ) | |||||||
Comprehensive income | 440.4 | 129.1 | 1,839.5 | 1,594.7 | |||||||||||
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest | (0.2 | ) | 1.2 | 2.4 | (3.3 | ) | |||||||||
Comprehensive income attributable to Mosaic | $ | 440.6 | $ | 127.9 | $ | 1,837.1 | $ | 1,598.0 |
See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
F-40
Consolidated Balance Sheets
In millions, except per share amounts
December 31, | |||||||
2014 | 2013 | ||||||
Assets | |||||||
Current assets: | |||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 2,374.6 | $ | 5,293.1 | |||
Receivables, net | 754.4 | 543.1 | |||||
Inventories | 1,718.3 | 1,432.9 | |||||
Deferred income taxes | 148.7 | 129.9 | |||||
Other current assets | 368.2 | 706.8 | |||||
Total current assets | 5,364.2 | 8,105.8 | |||||
Property, plant and equipment, net | 9,313.9 | 8,576.6 | |||||
Investments in nonconsolidated companies | 849.8 | 576.4 | |||||
Goodwill | 1,806.5 | 1,794.4 | |||||
Deferred income taxes | 394.4 | 152.2 | |||||
Other assets | 554.2 | 348.6 | |||||
Total assets | $ | 18,283.0 | $ | 19,554.0 | |||
Liabilities and Equity | |||||||
Current liabilities: | |||||||
Short-term debt | $ | 13.5 | $ | 22.6 | |||
Current maturities of long-term debt | 41.0 | 0.4 | |||||
Accounts payable | 797.3 | 570.2 | |||||
Accrued liabilities | 726.1 | 666.3 | |||||
Contractual share repurchase liability | — | 1,985.9 | |||||
Deferred income taxes | 3.7 | 20.5 | |||||
Accrued income taxes | 18.8 | — | |||||
Total current liabilities | 1,600.4 | 3,265.9 | |||||
Long-term debt, less current maturities | 3,778.0 | 3,008.9 | |||||
Deferred income taxes | 984.0 | 1,031.5 | |||||
Other noncurrent liabilities | 1,200.0 | 927.1 | |||||
Equity: | |||||||
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 15,000,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 | — | — | |||||
Class A common stock, $0.01 par value, 194,203,987 shares authorized as of December 31, 2014, 17,176,046 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2014, 254,300,000 shares authorized, 128,759,772 shares issued and 85,839,827 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2013 | 0.2 | 1.3 | |||||
Class B common stock, $0.01 par value, 87,008,602 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 | — | — | |||||
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 1,000,000,000 shares authorized, 369,987,783 shares issued and 350,364,236 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2014, 352,204,571 shares issued and 340,166,109 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2013 | 3.5 | 3.0 | |||||
Capital in excess of par value | 4.2 | 1.6 | |||||
Retained earnings | 11,168.9 | 11,182.1 | |||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | (473.7 | ) | 114.3 | ||||
Total Mosaic stockholders’ equity | 10,703.1 | 11,302.3 | |||||
Non-controlling interests | 17.5 | 18.3 | |||||
Total equity | 10,720.6 | 11,320.6 | |||||
Total liabilities and equity | $ | 18,283.0 | $ | 19,554.0 |
See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
F-41
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
In millions, except per share amounts
Year Ended December 31, | Seven Months Ended December 31, | Years Ended May 31, | |||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||||
Cash Flows from Operating Activities | |||||||||||||||
Net earnings including noncontrolling interests | $ | 1,030.4 | $ | 342.5 | $ | 1,891.8 | $ | 1,930.8 | |||||||
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings including noncontrolling interests to net cash provided by operating activities: | |||||||||||||||
Depreciation, depletion and amortization | 750.9 | 386.2 | 604.8 | 508.1 | |||||||||||
Deferred income taxes | (153.8 | ) | 69.1 | 200.0 | 245.8 | ||||||||||
Equity in net loss (earnings) of nonconsolidated companies, net of dividends | 4.7 | 3.9 | 32.2 | (3.7 | ) | ||||||||||
Accretion expense for asset retirement obligations | 42.1 | 21.6 | 33.3 | 32.4 | |||||||||||
Share-based compensation expense | 54.3 | 23.3 | 28.2 | 23.4 | |||||||||||
Amortization of acquired inventory | 49.0 | — | — | — | |||||||||||
Change in value of share repurchase agreement | 60.2 | (73.2 | ) | — | — | ||||||||||
(Gain) loss on assets sold and to be sold | (16.4 | ) | 122.8 | — | — | ||||||||||
Unrealized loss (gain) on derivatives | 34.8 | (15.4 | ) | (1.4 | ) | 45.9 | |||||||||
Carlsbad restructuring expense | 125.4 | — | — | — | |||||||||||
Other | 10.9 | 43.7 | 30.5 | 31.5 | |||||||||||
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions: | |||||||||||||||
Receivables, net | (226.5 | ) | 404.1 | (296.7 | ) | 118.5 | |||||||||
Inventories, net | (129.7 | ) | 30.8 | (315.5 | ) | 6.5 | |||||||||
Other current assets and noncurrent assets | 457.7 | (101.0 | ) | (2.7 | ) | (238.8 | ) | ||||||||
Accounts payable | 277.2 | (100.6 | ) | (100.5 | ) | (58.4 | ) | ||||||||
Accrued liabilities | 30.4 | (223.5 | ) | (55.7 | ) | (2.2 | ) | ||||||||
Other noncurrent liabilities | (107.9 | ) | (44.9 | ) | (160.8 | ) | 66.0 | ||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | 2,293.7 | 889.4 | 1,887.5 | 2,705.8 | |||||||||||
Cash Flows from Investing Activities | |||||||||||||||
Capital expenditures | (929.1 | ) | (800.0 | ) | (1,588.3 | ) | (1,639.3 | ) | |||||||
Proceeds from sale of businesses | 81.4 | — | — | — | |||||||||||
Acquisition of businesses | (1,725.4 | ) | — | — | — | ||||||||||
Investments in nonconsolidated companies | (154.6 | ) | (158.9 | ) | (15.0 | ) | — | ||||||||
Other | (11.4 | ) | 1.7 | 13.5 | 11.9 | ||||||||||
Net cash (used in) investing activities | (2,739.1 | ) | (957.2 | ) | (1,589.8 | ) | (1,627.4 | ) | |||||||
Cash Flows from Financing Activities | |||||||||||||||
Payments of short-term debt | (220.4 | ) | (154.3 | ) | (263.1 | ) | (148.8 | ) | |||||||
Proceeds from issuance of short-term debt | 200.2 | 119.1 | 289.1 | 167.9 | |||||||||||
Payments of long-term debt | (2.1 | ) | (1.4 | ) | (1.5 | ) | (542.8 | ) | |||||||
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt | 812.0 | 2,000.3 | 1.9 | 748.0 | |||||||||||
Payment of tender premium on debt | — | — | — | (17.2 | ) | ||||||||||
Payment of financing costs | — | (21.7 | ) | — | — | ||||||||||
Realized loss on interest rate swap | — | (21.1 | ) | — | — | ||||||||||
Contributions by Cargill | — | — | — | 18.5 | |||||||||||
Repurchase of stock | (2,755.3 | ) | — | — | (1,162.5 | ) | |||||||||
Cash dividends paid | (382.5 | ) | (213.5 | ) | (426.6 | ) | (119.5 | ) | |||||||
Other | 8.1 | (2.1 | ) | 2.4 | (4.7 | ) | |||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | (2,340.0 | ) | 1,705.3 | (397.8 | ) | (1,061.1 | ) | ||||||||
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash | (133.1 | ) | (41.5 | ) | (13.8 | ) | (112.7 | ) | |||||||
Net change in cash and cash equivalents | (2,918.5 | ) | 1,596.0 | (113.9 | ) | (95.4 | ) | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of period | 5,293.1 | 3,697.1 | 3,811.0 | 3,906.4 | |||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents—end of period | $ | 2,374.6 | $ | 5,293.1 | $ | 3,697.1 | $ | 3,811.0 |
See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
F-42
Consolidated Statements of Equity
In millions, except per share data
Mosaic Shareholders | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares | Dollars | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common Stock | Common Stock | Capital in Excess of Par Value | Retained Earnings | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | Non- Controlling Interests | Total Equity | ||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of May 31, 2011 | 446.6 | $ | 4.5 | $ | 2,596.3 | $ | 8,330.6 | $ | 710.2 | $ | 20.3 | $ | 11,661.9 | |||||||||||||
Total comprehensive income (loss) | — | — | — | 1,930.2 | (332.2 | ) | (3.3 | ) | 1,594.7 | |||||||||||||||||
Stock option exercises / Restricted stocks units vested | 0.2 | — | 3.0 | — | — | — | 3.0 | |||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of share based compensation | — | — | 23.4 | — | — | — | 23.4 | |||||||||||||||||||
Repurchase of Class A common stock | (21.3 | ) | (0.2 | ) | (1,162.3 | ) | — | — | — | (1,162.5 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Dividends ($0.275 per share) | — | — | — | (119.5 | ) | — | — | (119.5 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Dividends for noncontrolling interests | — | — | — | — | — | (0.7 | ) | (0.7 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Tax shortfall related to share based compensation | — | — | (0.9 | ) | — | — | — | (0.9 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Balance as of May 31, 2012 | 425.5 | 4.3 | 1,459.5 | 10,141.3 | 378.0 | 16.3 | 11,999.4 | |||||||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive income (loss) | — | — | — | 1,888.7 | (51.6 | ) | 2.4 | 1,839.5 | ||||||||||||||||||
Stock option exercises | 0.3 | — | 6.0 | — | — | — | 6.0 | |||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of stock based compensation | — | — | 28.2 | — | — | — | 28.2 | |||||||||||||||||||
Dividends ($1.00 per share) | — | — | — | (426.6 | ) | — | — | (426.6 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Dividends for noncontrolling interests | — | — | — | — | — | (1.2 | ) | (1.2 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Tax shortfall related to share based compensation | — | — | (2.4 | ) | — | — | — | (2.4 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Balance as of May 31, 2013 | 425.8 | 4.3 | 1,491.3 | 11,603.4 | 326.4 | 17.5 | 13,442.9 | |||||||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive income (loss) | — | — | — | 340.0 | (212.1 | ) | 1.2 | 129.1 | ||||||||||||||||||
Stock option exercises | 0.1 | — | 1.1 | — | — | — | 1.1 | |||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of stock based compensation | — | — | 23.3 | — | — | — | 23.3 | |||||||||||||||||||
Forward contract to repurchase Class A common stock | — | — | (1,511.3 | ) | (547.8 | ) | — | — | (2,059.1 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Dividends ($0.50 per share) | — | — | — | (213.5 | ) | — | — | (213.5 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Dividends for noncontrolling interests | — | — | — | — | — | (0.4 | ) | (0.4 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Tax shortfall related to share based compensation | — | — | (2.8 | ) | — | — | — | (2.8 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2013 | 425.9 | 4.3 | 1.6 | 11,182.1 | 114.3 | 18.3 | 11,320.6 | |||||||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive income (loss) | — | — | — | 1,028.6 | (588.0 | ) | (0.2 | ) | 440.4 | |||||||||||||||||
Stock option exercises | 0.7 | — | 6.7 | — | — | — | 6.7 | |||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of stock based compensation | — | — | 54.3 | — | — | — | 54.3 | |||||||||||||||||||
Forward contract and other repurchases of stock | (59.1 | ) | (0.6 | ) | (60.4 | ) | (659.3 | ) | — | — | (720.3 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Dividends ($1.00 per share) | — | — | — | (382.5 | ) | — | — | (382.5 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Dividends for noncontrolling interests | — | — | — | — | — | (0.6 | ) | (0.6 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Tax benefit related to share based compensation | — | — | 2.0 | — | — | — | 2.0 | |||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of December 31, 2014 | 367.5 | $ | 3.7 | $ | 4.2 | $ | 11,168.9 | $ | (473.7 | ) | $ | 17.5 | $ | 10,720.6 |
See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Tables in millions, except per share amounts
1. ORGANIZATION AND NATURE OF BUSINESS
The Mosaic Company (before or after the Cargill Transaction described in Note 2, “Mosaic”, and with its consolidated subsidiaries, “we”, “us”, “our”, or the “Company”) is the parent company of the business that was formed through the business combination (“Combination”) of IMC Global Inc. and the Cargill Crop Nutrition fertilizer businesses of Cargill, Incorporated and its subsidiaries (collectively, “Cargill”) on October 22, 2004.
We produce and market concentrated phosphate and potash crop nutrients. We conduct our business through wholly and majority owned subsidiaries as well as businesses in which we own less than a majority or a non-controlling interest, including consolidated variable interest entities and investments accounted for by the equity method. We are organized into the following business segments:
Our Phosphates business segment owns and operates mines and production facilities in Florida which produce concentrated phosphate crop nutrients and phosphate-based animal feed ingredients, and processing plants in Louisiana which produce concentrated phosphate crop nutrients. Our Phosphates segment's results also include our international distribution activities. In fiscal 2011, the Phosphates segment acquired a 35% economic interest in a joint venture that owns the Miski Mayo Mine in Peru. On August 5, 2013, we entered into a Shareholders’ Agreement with Saudi Arabian Mining Company (“Ma’aden”) and Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (“SABIC”) under which the parties have formed Wa'ad Al Shamal Phosphate Company (the “Wa’ad Al Shamal Joint Venture”) to develop, own and operate integrated phosphate production facilities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia . We own 25% of the joint venture and will market approximately 25% of the production of the joint venture. On March 17, 2014, we completed the acquisition of the Florida phosphate assets and assumption of certain related liabilities ("CF Phosphate Assets Acquisition") of CF Industries, Inc. ("CF"). On December 17, 2014, we completed the acquisition of Archer Daniels Midland Company's ("ADM's") fertilizer distribution business in Brazil and Paraguay. These transactions are further described in Note 23 of our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Our Potash business segment owns and operates potash mines and production facilities in Canada and the U.S. which produce potash-based crop nutrients, animal feed ingredients and industrial products. Potash sales include domestic and international sales. We are a member of Canpotex, Limited (“Canpotex”), an export association of Canadian potash producers through which we sell our Canadian potash outside the U.S. and Canada.
Intersegment sales are eliminated within Corporate, Eliminations and Other. See Note 24 of our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for segment results.
As previously reported, we changed our fiscal year end to December 31 from May 31 in 2013.
2. CARGILL TRANSACTION
On May 25, 2011, we consummated the first in a series of transactions intended to result in the split-off and orderly distribution of Cargill’s approximately 64% equity interest in us through a series of transactions (the “Cargill Transaction”). These transactions included the following:
• | A Merger (the “Merger”) between a subsidiary of GNS II (U.S.) Corp. (“GNS”) and MOS Holdings Inc. (“MOS Holdings”) that had the effect of recapitalizing our prior Common Stock into three classes: Common Stock, Class A Common Stock (“Class A Shares”) and Class B Common Stock (“Class B Shares”). The Common Stock is substantially identical to our prior Common Stock, and all three new classes had the same economic rights as our prior Common Stock. Holders of the Common Stock and the Class A Shares have one vote per share on all matters on which they are entitled to vote, whereas holders of the Class B Shares had ten votes per share solely for the election of directors and one vote per share on all other matters on which they were entitled to vote. The Class A Shares are and the Class B Shares were subject to transfer restrictions, have or had conversion rights and class voting rights, and are or were not publicly traded. Following the Merger, our Common Stock continues to trade under the ticker symbol MOS. |
• | Prior to the Merger, GNS was a wholly-owned subsidiary of the company then known as The Mosaic Company. The Merger made GNS the parent company of MOS Holdings. In connection with the Merger, the company formerly known as The Mosaic Company was renamed MOS Holdings Inc. and GNS was renamed The Mosaic Company. |
• | In the Merger, a portion of our Common Stock held by Cargill was converted, on a one-for-one basis, into the right to receive Class A Shares and Class B Shares. Each other outstanding share of our prior Common Stock (including a portion of the shares of our prior Common Stock held by Cargill) was converted into the right to receive a share of our Common Stock. |
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• | Cargill conducted a split-off (the “Split-off”) in which it exchanged 178.3 million of our shares that it received in the Merger for shares of Cargill stock held by certain Cargill stockholders (the “Exchanging Cargill Stockholders”). Immediately after the Split-off, the Exchanging Cargill Stockholders held approximately 40% of our total outstanding shares that represented approximately 82% of the total voting power with respect to the election of our directors. |
• | Cargill also exchanged the remaining 107.5 million of our shares that it received in the Merger with certain holders of Cargill debt (the “Exchanging Cargill Debt Holders”) for such Cargill debt (the “Debt Exchange”). |
• | Certain of the Exchanging Cargill Stockholders (the “MAC Trusts”) and the Exchanging Cargill Debt Holders (collectively, the “Selling Stockholders”) then sold an aggregate of 115.0 million shares of our Common Stock that they received in the Split-off and the Debt Exchange in an underwritten secondary public offering (the “Formation Offering”). |
• | All other shares of our stock (approximately 128.8 million Class A Shares in the aggregate) received by the Exchanging Cargill Stockholders and not sold in the Formation Offering have generally been subject to transfer restrictions and were to be released in three equal annual installments beginning on November 26, 2013, unless sold prior to the release date. |
Pursuant to a ruling from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, the Merger, Split-off and Debt Exchange were tax-free to Cargill, Mosaic and their respective stockholders.
Subsequently, we have completed several additional transactions in furtherance of the Cargill Transaction:
• | On September 29, 2011, we converted 20.7 million Class A Shares, Series A-4, to Common Stock in connection with their sale in an underwritten public secondary offering by the MAC Trusts. In accordance with our Restated Certificate of Incorporation, each such converted Class A Share was subsequently retired and cancelled and may not be reissued, and the number of authorized Class A Shares was reduced by a corresponding amount. |
• | On October 6, 2011, our stockholders approved the conversion of each of our approximately 113.0 million outstanding Class B Shares on a one-for-one basis into shares of the corresponding series of Class A Shares. In accordance with our Restated Certificate of Incorporation, each such converted Class B Share was subsequently retired and cancelled and may not be reissued, and the number of authorized Class B Shares was reduced by a corresponding amount. |
• | On November 17, 2011, we purchased an aggregate 21.3 million Class A Shares, Series A-4, from the MAC Trusts. The purchase price was $54.58 per share, the closing price for our Common Stock on November 16, 2011, resulting in a total purchase price of approximately $1.2 billion. This repurchase completed the disposition of the 157.0 million shares designated to be sold during the 15-month period following the Split-off by the Selling Stockholders. |
• | On November 26, 2013, pursuant to the terms of our Restated Certificate of Incorporation, all 42.9 million outstanding Class A Shares, Series A-1(including 21,647,007 shares held by the MAC Trusts), were converted into regular Mosaic Common Stock, par value $.01 per share. On November 26, 2014, the remaining 17,176,068 Class A Shares, Series A- |
2, held by Exchanging Cargill Stockholders, were converted into Common Stock. In accordance with our Restated Certificate of Incorporation, each such converted Class A Share was subsequently retired and cancelled and may not be reissued, and the number of authorized Class A Shares was reduced by a corresponding amount. Conversion of the remaining 17,176,046 Class A Shares, Series A-3, held by Exchanging Cargill Stockholders, is scheduled to occur on November 26, 2015.
• | In addition, on November 26, 2013, the last of the restrictions imposed by the agreements relating to the Cargill Transaction on our ability to engage in share buybacks expired. On December 6, 2013, Mosaic entered into a share repurchase agreement (the “MAC Trusts Share Repurchase Agreement”) with the MAC Trusts to purchase all of the remaining Class A Shares held by the MAC Trusts. During 2014, pursuant to the MAC Trusts Share Repurchase Agreement, all 21,647,007 Class A Shares, Series A-3 and all 21,647,008 Class A Shares, Series A-2, held by the MAC Trusts, were repurchased for an aggregate of $2.0 billion. |
Under the MAC Trusts Share Repurchase Agreement, the purchase price per share was equal to the Common Market Price, as defined in Mosaic’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as of the date of the purchase. In general and subject to the terms and provisions of the Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the Common Market Price as of any date is equal to the average of the volume weighted average trading price of Common Stock, for each trading day during the preceding 20-day trading period.
In addition to the Class A Shares purchased by Mosaic under the MAC Trusts Share Repurchase Agreement, the MAC Trusts received an aggregate of 21,647,007 shares of Common Stock that were converted from outstanding Class A Shares, Series A-1, on November 26, 2013. Based solely on a Schedule 13G/A dated December 31, 2014 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 13, 2015 by Christine M. Morse and Paul G. Busch, the MAC Trusts beneficially own less than five percent of our outstanding shares of Common Stock.
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In February of 2014, our Board of Directors authorized a $1 billion share repurchase program (the “Repurchase Program”), allowing the Company to repurchase Class A Shares or shares of our Common Stock, through direct buybacks or in open market transactions. This authorization is in addition to the MAC Trusts Share Repurchase Agreement described above. During 2014, under the Repurchase Program, 8,193,698 Class A Shares were repurchased under agreements we entered with certain Cargill family member trusts (the “Family Trusts Share Repurchase Agreements”, and together with the MAC Trusts Share Repurchase Agreement, the "Share Repurchase Agreements") and 7,585,085 shares of Common Stock were repurchased in the open market for an aggregate of $727.3 million.
The Share Repurchase Agreements were accounted for as forward contracts with an initial liability established at fair value based on the average of the weighted average trading price for each of the preceding 20 trading days as noted above and a corresponding reduction of equity. The contracts were subsequently remeasured at the present value of the amount to be paid at settlement with the difference being recognized in the consolidated statement of earnings. In calculating basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”), we were required to exclude the Class A shares that remained to be repurchased. Any amounts, including contractual (accumulated) dividends and participation rights in undistributed earnings, attributable to shares that remained to be repurchased that had not yet been recognized in the consolidated statement of earnings were deducted in computing income available to common shareholders, consistent with the two-class method. See the calculation of EPS in Note 7 of our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
As part of the Cargill Transaction, we agreed that, among other things, and subject to certain exceptions:
• | We would not engage in certain prohibited acts (“Prohibited Acts”) until May 26, 2013. |
• | We are contractually obligated to indemnify Cargill for certain taxes and tax-related losses imposed on Cargill if we engaged in a Prohibited Act or in the event we are in breach of representations or warranties made in support of the tax-free nature of the Merger, Split-off and Debt Exchange, if our Prohibited Act or breach causes the Merger, Split-off and/or Debt Exchange to fail to qualify as tax-free transactions. |
Generally speaking, Prohibited Acts included:
• | Entering into any agreements, understandings, arrangements or substantial negotiations pursuant to which any person would acquire, increase or have the right to acquire or increase such person’s ownership interest in us, provided that equity issuances, redemptions or repurchases from the MAC Trusts and approvals of transfers within an agreed-upon “basket” were not Prohibited Acts. |
• | Approving or recommending a third-party tender offer or exchange offer for our stock or causing or permitting any merger, reorganization, combination or consolidation of Mosaic or MOS Holdings. |
• | Causing our “separate affiliated group” (as defined in the Internal Revenue Code) to fail to be engaged in the fertilizer business. |
• | Reclassifying, exchanging or converting any shares of our stock into another class or series, or changing the voting rights of any shares of our stock (other than the conversion of Class B Common Stock to Class A Common Stock) or declaring or paying a stock dividend in respect of our common stock. |
• | Facilitating the acquisition of Mosaic’s stock by any person or coordinating group (as defined in IRS regulations) (other than Cargill and its subsidiaries), if such acquisition would result in any person or coordinating group beneficially owning 10% or more of our outstanding Common Stock. |
• | Facilitating participation in management or operation of the Company (including by becoming a director) by a person or coordinating group (as defined in IRS regulations) (other than Cargill and its subsidiaries) who beneficially owns 5% or more of our outstanding Common Stock. |
Although we are no longer restricted from engaging in Prohibited Acts, our indemnity to Cargill for any breach of the representations and warranties we made in support of the tax-free nature of the Merger, Split-off and Debt Exchange and any Prohibited Acts that occurred prior to May 26, 2013 remains in effect.
3. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Statement Presentation and Basis of Consolidation
The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). Throughout the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, amounts in tables are in millions of dollars except for per share data and as otherwise designated. As previously reported, in 2013 we changed our fiscal year end to December 31 from May 31. We are presenting our results of operations for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014, the seven-month transition period of June 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013 (the “Stub Period”) and the fiscal years ended May 31, 2013 and 2012.
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The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Mosaic and its majority owned subsidiaries, as well as the accounts of certain variable interest entities, including PhosChem, for which we were the primary beneficiary. Effective December 31, 2013, we and PhosChem’s other member each assumed responsibility for PhosChem’s former activities as they related to our respective products. We subsequently dissolved PhosChem and continue to sell our own product internationally. PhosChem had net sales of $492.0 million for the seven months ended December 31, 2013 and $1.3 billion and $2.4 billion for the years ended May 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, which are included in our consolidated net sales and had minimal impact on our gross margin. Certain investments in companies where we do not have control but have the ability to exercise significant influence are accounted for by the equity method.
Accounting Estimates
Preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. The more significant estimates made by management relate to the recoverability of non-current assets including goodwill, the useful lives and net realizable values of long-lived assets, environmental and reclamation liabilities including asset retirement obligations (“AROs”), the costs of our employee benefit obligations for pension plans and postretirement benefits, income tax related accounts including the valuation allowance against deferred income tax assets, inventory valuation and accruals for pending legal and environmental matters. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue on North American sales is recognized when the product is delivered to the customer and/or when the risks and rewards of ownership are otherwise transferred to the customer and when the price is fixed or determinable. Revenue on North American export sales is recognized upon the transfer of title to the customer and when the other revenue recognition criteria have been met, which generally occurs when product enters international waters. Revenue from sales originating outside of North America is recognized upon transfer of title to the customer based on contractual terms of each arrangement and when the other revenue recognition criteria have been met. Our products are generally sold based on the market prices prevailing at the time the sales contract is signed or through contracts which are priced at the time of shipment based on a formula. In certain circumstances, the final price of our products is determined after shipment based on the current market at the time the price is agreed to with the customer. In such circumstances, revenue is recognized when the final price is fixed and the other revenue recognition criteria have been met. Shipping and handling costs are included as a component of cost of goods sold.
Non-Income Taxes
We pay Canadian resource taxes consisting of the Potash Production Tax and resource surcharge. The Potash Production Tax is a Saskatchewan provincial tax on potash production and consists of a base payment and a profits tax. In addition to the Canadian resource taxes, royalties are payable to the mineral owners with respect to potash reserves or production of potash. These resource taxes and royalties are recorded in our cost of goods sold. Our Canadian resource tax and royalty expenses were $195.0 million for calendar 2014, $120.7 million for the seven months ended December 31, 2013, and $307.9 million and $327.1 million for fiscal 2013 and 2012, respectively.
We have approximately $74 million of assets recorded as of December 31, 2014 related to PIS and Cofins, which is a Brazilian federal value-added tax, and income tax credits mostly earned in 2009 through 2014 that we believe will be realized through paying income taxes, paying other federal taxes, or receiving cash refunds. Should the Brazilian government determine that these are not valid credits upon audit, this could impact our results in such period. We have recorded the PIS and Cofins credits at amounts which are probable of collection. Information regarding PIS and Cofins taxes under audit, are included in Note 20 of our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Foreign Currency Translation
The Company’s reporting currency is the U.S. dollar; however, for operations located in Canada and Brazil, the functional currency is the local currency. Assets and liabilities of these foreign operations are translated to U.S. dollars at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date, while income statement accounts and cash flows are translated to U.S. dollars at the average exchange rates for the period. For these operations, translation gains and losses are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in equity until the foreign entity is sold or liquidated. Transaction gains and losses result from transactions that are denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the operation, primarily accounts receivable in our Canadian entities denominated in U.S. dollars, and accounts payable in Brazil denominated in U.S. dollars. These foreign currency transaction gains and losses are presented separately in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings.
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Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include short-term, highly liquid investments with original maturities of 90 days or less, and other highly liquid investments that are payable on demand such as money market accounts, certain certificates of deposit and repurchase agreements. The carrying amount of such cash equivalents approximates their fair value due to the short-term and highly liquid nature of these instruments.
Concentration of Credit Risk
In the U.S., we sell our products to manufacturers, distributors and retailers primarily in the Midwest and Southeast. Internationally, our potash products are sold primarily through Canpotex, an export association. A concentration of credit risk arises from our sales and accounts receivable associated with the international sales of potash product through Canpotex. We consider our concentration risk related to the Canpotex receivable to be mitigated by their credit policy which requires the underlying receivables to be substantially insured or secured by letters of credit. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, $118.0 million and $73.8 million, respectively, of accounts receivable were due from Canpotex. During calendar 2014, sales to Canpotex were $923.6 million, $439.7 million during the seven months ended December 31, 2013, and in fiscal 2013 and 2012, sales to Canpotex were $1.2 billion and $1.3 billion, respectively.
Inventories
Inventories of raw materials, work-in-process products, finished goods and operating materials and supplies are stated at the lower of cost or market. Costs for substantially all inventories are determined using the weighted average cost basis. To determine the cost of inventory, we allocate fixed expense to the costs of production based on the normal capacity, which refers to a range of production levels and is considered the production expected to be achieved over a number of periods or seasons under normal circumstances, taking into account the loss of capacity resulting from planned maintenance.
Market value of our inventory is defined as forecasted selling prices less reasonably predictable selling costs (net realizable value). Significant management judgment is involved in estimating forecasted selling prices including various demand and supply variables. Examples of demand variables include grain and oilseed prices, stock-to-use ratios and changes in inventories in the crop nutrients distribution channels. Examples of supply variables include forecasted prices of raw materials, such as phosphate rock, sulfur, ammonia, and natural gas, estimated operating rates and industry crop nutrient inventory levels. Results could differ materially if actual selling prices differ materially from forecasted selling prices. Charges for lower of cost or market are recognized in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings in the period when there is evidence of a decline of market value below cost.
Property, Plant and Equipment and Recoverability of Long-Lived Assets
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Costs of significant assets include capitalized interest incurred during the construction and development period. Repairs and maintenance, including planned major maintenance and plan turnaround costs, are expensed when incurred.
Depletion expenses for mining operations, including mineral reserves, are generally determined using the units-of-production method based on estimates of recoverable reserves. Depreciation is computed principally using the straight-line method over the following useful lives: machinery and equipment three to 25 years, and buildings and leasehold improvements three to 40 years.
We estimate initial useful lives based on experience and current technology. These estimates may be extended through sustaining capital programs. Factors affecting the fair value of our assets or periods of expected use may also affect the estimated useful lives of our assets and these factors can change. Therefore, we periodically review the estimated remaining lives of our facilities and other significant assets and adjust our depreciation rates prospectively where appropriate.
Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. The carrying amount of a long-lived asset group is not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset group. If it is determined that an impairment loss has occurred, the loss is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the long-lived asset group exceeds its fair value.
Leases
Leases in which the risk of ownership is retained by the lessor are classified as operating leases. Leases which substantially transfer all of the benefits and risks inherent in ownership to the lessee are classified as capital leases. Assets acquired under capital leases are depreciated on the same basis as property, plant and equipment. Rental payments are expensed on a straight-
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line basis. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the depreciable lives of the corresponding fixed assets or the related lease term, whichever is shorter.
Contingencies
Accruals for environmental remediation efforts are recorded when costs are probable and can be reasonably estimated. In determining these accruals, we use the most current information available, including similar past experiences, available technology, consultant evaluations, regulations in effect, the timing of remediation and cost-sharing arrangements.
We are involved from time to time in claims and legal actions incidental to our operations, both as plaintiff and defendant. We have established what we currently believe to be adequate accruals for pending legal matters. These accruals are established as part of an ongoing worldwide assessment of claims and legal actions that takes into consideration such items as advice of legal counsel, individual developments in court proceedings, changes in the law, changes in business focus, changes in the litigation environment, changes in opponent strategy and tactics, new developments as a result of ongoing discovery, and past experience in defending and settling similar claims. The litigation accruals at any time reflect updated assessments of the then-existing claims and legal actions. The final outcome or potential settlement of litigation matters could differ materially from the accruals which we have established. For significant individual cases, we accrue legal costs expected to be incurred.
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
Mosaic offers a number of benefit plans that provide pension and other benefits to qualified employees. These plans include defined benefit pension plans, supplemental pension plans, defined contribution plans and other postretirement benefit plans.
We accrue the funded status of our plans, which is representative of our obligations under employee benefit plans and the related costs, net of plan assets measured at fair value. The cost of pensions and other retirement benefits earned by employees is generally determined with the assistance of an actuary using the projected benefit method prorated on service and management’s best estimate of expected plan investment performance, salary escalation, retirement ages of employees and expected healthcare costs.
Additional Accounting Policies
To facilitate a better understanding of our consolidated financial statements we have disclosed the following significant accounting policies (with the exception of those identified above) throughout the following notes, with the related financial disclosures by major caption:
Note | Topic | Page | ||
7 | Earnings per Share | F-51 | ||
9 | Investments in Non-Consolidated Companies | F-53 | ||
10 | Goodwill | F-54 | ||
12 | Income Taxes | F-57 | ||
13 | Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations | F-60 | ||
14 | Accounting for Derivative and Hedging Activities | F-61 | ||
15 | Fair Value Measurements | F-62 | ||
18 | Share Based Payments | F-67 |
4. RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING GUIDANCE
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2013-11, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists,” which requires that an unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction of a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward when settlement in this manner is available under the law. This guidance was effective for us beginning January 1, 2014 and was applied on a prospective basis to all unrecognized tax benefits that existed at the effective date. This guidance did not have a material impact on our results of operations or financial position.
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Pronouncements Issued But Not Yet Adopted
In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-08, "Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity", which changes the criteria for reporting a discontinued operation. Under this standard, a disposal of part of an organization that has a major effect on its operations and financial results is a discontinued operation. This guidance is effective prospectively for us beginning January 1, 2015 with earlier application permitted, but only for disposals (or classifications as held for sale) that have not been reported previously. We do not expect that this guidance will have a material impact on our results of operations or financial position.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606),” which requires revenue to be recognized based on the amount an entity is expected to be entitled to for promised goods or services provided to customers. The standard also requires expanded disclosures regarding contracts with customers. The guidance in this standard supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605, "Revenue Recognition", and most industry-specific guidance. This guidance is effective for us beginning January 1, 2017. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. We are currently evaluating the requirements of this standard, and have not yet determined the impact on our results of operations or financial position.
5. OTHER FINANCIAL STATEMENT DATA
The following provides additional information concerning selected balance sheet accounts:
December 31, | |||||||
(in millions) | 2014 | 2013 | |||||
Receivables | |||||||
Trade | $ | 624.9 | $ | 460.1 | |||
Non-trade | 132.1 | 84.9 | |||||
757.0 | 545.0 | ||||||
Less allowance for doubtful accounts | 2.6 | 1.9 | |||||
$ | 754.4 | $ | 543.1 | ||||
Inventories | |||||||
Raw materials | $ | 114.6 | $ | 34.0 | |||
Work in process | 505.1 | 433.6 | |||||
Finished goods | 1,025.5 | 891.6 | |||||
Operating materials and supplies | 73.1 | 73.7 | |||||
$ | 1,718.3 | $ | 1,432.9 | ||||
Other current assets | |||||||
Final price deferred(a) | $ | 49.9 | $ | 154.3 | |||
Income and other taxes receivable | 201.9 | 272.6 | |||||
Prepaid expenses | 63.8 | 115.8 | |||||
Assets held for sale(b) | 6.0 | 111.9 | |||||
Other | 46.6 | 52.2 | |||||
$ | 368.2 | $ | 706.8 |
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December 31, | |||||||
(in millions) | 2014 | 2013 | |||||
Accrued liabilities | |||||||
Non-income taxes | $ | 29.9 | $ | 23.6 | |||
Payroll and employee benefits | 172.8 | 111.8 | |||||
Asset retirement obligations | 87.9 | 86.3 | |||||
Customer prepayments | 101.6 | 131.9 | |||||
Other | 333.9 | 312.7 | |||||
$ | 726.1 | $ | 666.3 | ||||
Other noncurrent liabilities | |||||||
Asset retirement obligations | $ | 771.6 | $ | 637.6 | |||
Accrued pension and postretirement benefits | 77.6 | 69.0 | |||||
Unrecognized tax benefits | 89.2 | 96.3 | |||||
Other | 261.6 | 124.2 | |||||
$ | 1,200.0 | $ | 927.1 |
______________________________
(a) | Final price deferred is product that has shipped to customers, but the price has not yet been agreed upon. This has not been included in inventory as it is not held for sale. |
(b) | See further description of assets held for sale in Footnote 22. |
Interest expense, net was comprised of the following in the calendar year 2014, seven months ended December 31, 2013, and fiscal 2013 and 2012:
Year Ended December 31, | Seven Months Ended December 31, | Years Ended May 31, | |||||||||||||
(in millions) | 2014 | 2013 | 2013 | 2012 | |||||||||||
Interest income | $ | 21.3 | $ | 9.5 | $ | 18.8 | $ | 20.1 | |||||||
Less interest expense | 128.9 | 22.8 | — | 1.4 | |||||||||||
Interest income (expense), net | $ | (107.6 | ) | $ | (13.3 | ) | $ | 18.8 | $ | 18.7 |
6. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property, plant and equipment consist of the following:
December 31, | |||||||
(in millions) | 2014 | 2013 | |||||
Land | $ | 233.7 | $ | 188.6 | |||
Mineral properties and rights | 3,515.5 | 2,932.6 | |||||
Buildings and leasehold improvements | 2,242.0 | 1,969.5 | |||||
Machinery and equipment | 6,660.6 | 5,994.1 | |||||
Construction in-progress | 1,295.5 | 1,516.8 | |||||
13,947.3 | 12,601.6 | ||||||
Less: accumulated depreciation and depletion | 4,633.4 | 4,025.0 | |||||
$ | 9,313.9 | $ | 8,576.6 |
Depreciation and depletion expense was $750.9 million for calendar 2014, $386.2 million for the seven months ended December 31, 2013 and $604.8 million and $508.1 million for fiscal 2013 and 2012, respectively. Capitalized interest on major construction projects was $34.0 million for calendar 2014, $25.0 million for the seven months ended December 31, 2013 and $52.0 million and $55.7 million in fiscal 2013 and 2012, respectively.
7. EARNINGS PER SHARE
We use the two-class method to compute basic and diluted EPS. Earnings for the period are allocated pro-rata between the common shareholders and the participating securities. Our only participating securities are related to the Share Repurchase
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Agreement. The numerator for basic and diluted EPS is net earnings for common stockholders. The denominator for basic EPS is the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the period. The denominator for diluted EPS also includes the weighted average number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if the dilutive potential common shares had been issued, unless the shares are anti-dilutive, and excludes shares subject to forward contracts.
The following is a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator for the basic and diluted EPS computations:
Year Ended December 31, | Seven Months Ended December 31, | Years Ended May 31, | |||||||||||||
(in millions) | 2014 | 2013 | 2013 | 2012 | |||||||||||
Net earnings attributed to Mosaic | $ | 1,028.6 | $ | 340.0 | $ | 1,888.7 | $ | 1,930.2 | |||||||
Undistributed earnings attributable to participating securities | (22.3 | ) | (4.0 | ) | — | — | |||||||||
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings available to common stockholders | $ | 1,006.3 | $ | 336.0 | $ | 1,888.7 | $ | 1,930.2 | |||||||
Basic weighted average number of shares outstanding | 382.4 | 425.9 | 425.7 | 435.2 | |||||||||||
Shares subject to forward contract | (8.3 | ) | (5.1 | ) | — | — | |||||||||
Basic weighted average number of shares outstanding attributable to common stockholders | 374.1 | 420.8 | 425.7 | 435.2 | |||||||||||
Dilutive impact of share-based awards | 1.5 | 1.2 | 1.2 | 1.3 | |||||||||||
Diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding | 375.6 | 422.0 | 426.9 | 436.5 | |||||||||||
Basic net earnings per share | $ | 2.69 | $ | 0.80 | $ | 4.44 | $ | 4.44 | |||||||
Diluted net earnings per share | $ | 2.68 | $ | 0.80 | $ | 4.42 | $ | 4.42 |
A total of 1.3 million shares for calendar 2014, 1.1 million shares for the seven months ended December 31, 2013, 0.6 million shares for fiscal 2013 and 0.5 million shares for fiscal 2012 of common stock subject to issuance upon exercise of stock options have been excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS because the effect would be anti-dilutive.
8. CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Supplemental disclosures of cash paid for interest and income taxes and non-cash investing and financing information is as follows:
Year Ended December 31, | Seven Months Ended December 31, | Years Ended May 31, | |||||||||||||
(in millions) | 2014 | 2013 | 2013 | 2012 | |||||||||||
Cash paid during the period for: | |||||||||||||||
Interest | $ | 155.9 | $ | 28.7 | $ | 52.0 | $ | 76.7 | |||||||
Less amount capitalized | 34.0 | 25.0 | 52.0 | 55.7 | |||||||||||
Cash interest, net | $ | 121.9 | $ | 3.7 | $ | — | $ | 21.0 | |||||||
Income taxes | $ | 113.2 | $ | 155.7 | $ | 299.9 | $ | 516.4 |
Acquiring or constructing property, plant and equipment by incurring a liability does not result in a cash outflow for us until the liability is paid. In the period the liability is incurred, the change in operating accounts payable on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows is adjusted by such amount. In the period the liability is paid, the amount is reflected as a cash outflow from investing activities. The applicable net change in operating accounts payable that was classified to investing activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows was $29.3 million for calendar 2014, $87.7 million for the seven months ended December 31, 2013 and $54.6 million and $56.7 million, for fiscal 2013 and 2012, respectively.
In September 2014, we accrued $120 million representing the remaining liability for our portion of mineral rights value transferred to the Wa’ad Al Shamal Joint Venture from Ma’aden. The offset to this non-current liability was recorded as an investment in nonconsolidated companies. This amount is expected to be paid in 2016.
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9. INVESTMENTS IN NON-CONSOLIDATED COMPANIES
We have investments in various international and domestic entities and ventures. The equity method of accounting is applied to such investments when the ownership structure prevents us from exercising a controlling influence over operating and financial policies of the businesses but still allow us to have significant influence. Under this method, our equity in the net earnings or losses of the investments is reflected as equity in net earnings of non-consolidated companies on our Consolidated Statements of Earnings. The effects of material intercompany transactions with these equity method investments are eliminated, including the gross profit on sales to and purchases from our equity-method investments which is deferred until the time of sale to the final third party customer. The cash flow presentation of dividends received from equity method investees is determined by evaluation of the facts, circumstances and nature of the distribution.
A summary of our equity-method investments, which were in operation as of December 31, 2014, is as follows:
Entity | Economic Interest | ||
Gulf Sulphur Services LTD., LLLP | 50.0 | % | |
River Bend Ag, LLC | 50.0 | % | |
IFC S.A. | 45.0 | % | |
Yunnan Three Circles Sinochem Cargill Fertilizers Co. Ltd. | 35.0 | % | |
Miski Mayo Mine | 35.0 | % | |
Wa’ad Al Shamal Joint Venture | 25.0 | % | |
Canpotex | 38.8 | % |
The summarized financial information shown below includes all non-consolidated companies carried on the equity method.
Year Ended December 31, | Seven Months Ended December 31, | Years Ended May 31, | |||||||||||||
(in millions) | 2014 | 2013 | 2013 | 2012 | |||||||||||
Net sales | $ | 3,814.1 | $ | 1,846.5 | $ | 4,475.2 | $ | 4,938.4 | |||||||
Net earnings | 20.0 | 12.1 | 67.5 | 97.9 | |||||||||||
Mosaic’s share of equity in net earnings (loss) | (2.2 | ) | 10.9 | 18.3 | 13.3 | ||||||||||
Total assets | 4,344.9 | 1,658.5 | 1,841.4 | 1,776.0 | |||||||||||
Total liabilities | 3,107.0 | 985.3 | 1,149.8 | 1,005.0 | |||||||||||
Mosaic’s share of equity in net assets | 394.0 | 250.9 | 256.4 | 282.8 |
The difference between our share of equity in net assets as shown in the above table and the investment in non-consolidated companies as shown on the Consolidated Balance Sheets is due to an excess amount paid over the book value of the Miski Mayo Mine. The excess relates to phosphate rock reserves adjusted to fair value in relation to the Miski Mayo Mine. The excess amount is amortized over the estimated life of the phosphate rock reserves and is net of related deferred income taxes. The investment in non-consolidated companies on the Consolidated Balance Sheets also includes $120 million accrued for a future capital commitment to the Wa'ad Al Shamal Joint Venture for a portion of mineral rights that were transferred from Ma'aden.
The Wa’ad Al Shamal Joint Venture is developing a mine and two chemical complexes that are presently expected to produce phosphate fertilizers, animal feed, food grade purified phosphoric acid and other downstream phosphates products in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We currently estimate that the cost to develop and construct the integrated phosphate production facilities (the "Project") will approximate $7.5 billion, which we expect to be funded primarily through investments by us, Ma'aden and SABIC, and through borrowing arrangements and other external project financing facilities ("Funding Facilities"). The facilities are expected to have a production capacity of approximately 3.5 million tonnes of finished product per year. Operations are expected to commence in late 2016. We will market approximately 25% of the production of the joint venture.
On June 30, 2014, the Wa’ad Al Shamal Joint Venture entered into Funding Facilities with a consortium of 20 financial institutions for a total amount of approximately $5.0 billion.
Also on June 30, 2014, in support of the Funding Facilities, we, together with Ma’aden and SABIC, agreed to provide our respective proportionate shares of the funding necessary for the Wa’ad Al Shamal Joint Venture by:
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(a) | Contributing equity or making shareholder subordinated loans of up to $2.4 billion to fund project costs to complete and commission the Project (the “Equity Commitments”). |
(b) | Through the earlier of Project completion or June 30, 2020, contributing equity, making shareholder subordinated loans or providing bank subordinated loans, to fund cost overruns on the Project (the “Additional Cost Overrun Commitment”). |
(c) | Through the earlier of Project completion or June 30, 2020, contributing equity, making shareholder loans or providing bank subordinated loans, to fund scheduled debt service (excluding accelerated amounts) payable under the Funding Facilities and certain other amounts (such commitment, the “DSU Commitment” and such scheduled debt service and other amounts, “Scheduled Debt Service”). Our proportionate share of amounts covered by the DSU Commitment is not anticipated to exceed approximately $200 million. The fair value of the DSU Commitment at December 31, 2014 is not material. |
(d) | To the extent that, by December 31, 2016, the Wa’ad Al Shamal Joint Venture has not received payment of certain governmental funding that has been allocated for the development of infrastructure assets to be utilized for the Project in the amount of at least $260 million, providing subordinated bridge loans to the Wa’ad Al Shamal Joint Venture (the “IFA Bridge Loan”). |
(e) | From the earlier of the project completion date or June 30, 2020, to the extent there is a shortfall in the amounts available to pay Scheduled Debt Service, depositing for the payment of Scheduled Debt Service an amount up to the respective amount of certain shareholder tax amounts, and severance fees under the Wa’ad Al Shamal Joint Venture's mining license, paid within the prior 36 months by Wa’ad Al Shamal Joint Venture on behalf of us, Ma’aden and SABIC, if any. |
The Wa’ad Al Shamal Joint Venture has not yet entered into definitive agreements for certain of the planned Funding Facilities (the “Future Funding Facilities”) for the Project, and the definitive terms with respect to these Future Funding Facilities have not been established. To the extent that the Wa’ad Al Shamal Joint Venture does not obtain definitive commitments for certain of these Future Finance Facilities in the amount of approximately $560 million aggregate principal amount by June 30, 2016, we, together with Ma’aden and SABIC, have agreed to either arrange for other Future Funding Facilities or provide funding in the form of financial indebtedness to the Wa’ad Al Shamal Joint Venture in the amount of our respective proportionate shares of the shortfall.
We anticipate that, in connection with the Future Finance Facilities, we and the Wa’ad Al Shamal Joint Venture will undertake obligations in addition to the current Equity Commitments, the Additional Cost Overrun Commitment, the DSU Commitment and the IFA Bridge Loan.
We currently estimate that our cash investment in the Project, including the amount we have invested to date, will approximate $850 million. Our estimate of the $850 million consists of our share of the Equity Commitments and our payments for mineral rights. As of December 31, 2014, our investment was $448.5 million, which includes $120 million accrued for a future capital commitment. All other commitments, other than the Equity Commitment, are not included in our $850 million estimate as it is remote that we would have to provide under these commitments.
10. GOODWILL
Goodwill is carried at cost, not amortized, and represents the excess of the purchase price and related costs over the fair value assigned to the net identifiable assets of a business acquired. We test goodwill for impairment on a quantitative basis at the reporting unit level on an annual basis or upon the occurrence of events that may indicate possible impairment. The test resulted in no impairment in the periods presented.
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill, by reporting unit, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, are as follows:
(in millions) | Phosphates | Potash | Total | |||||
Balance as of May 31, 2013 | 546.6 | 1,298.0 | 1,844.6 | |||||
Foreign currency translation | — | (39.4 | ) | (39.4 | ) | |||
Reallocation of goodwill to assets held for sale | (10.8 | ) | — | (10.8 | ) | |||
Balance at December 31, 2013 | 535.8 | 1,258.6 | 1,794.4 | |||||
Foreign currency translation | 1.6 | (95.7 | ) | (94.1 | ) | |||
Goodwill acquired in ADM acquisition | 105.9 | — | 105.9 | |||||
Reallocation of goodwill to assets held for sale | 5.1 | (4.8 | ) | 0.3 | ||||
Balance as of December 31, 2014 | 648.4 | 1,158.1 | 1,806.5 |
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As of December 31, 2014, $365.3 million of goodwill was tax deductible.
11. FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS
Mosaic Credit Facility
We have an unsecured five-year revolving credit facility of up to $1.5 billion (the “Mosaic Credit Facility”) which is intended to serve as our primary senior unsecured bank credit facility to meet the combined liquidity needs of all of our business segments. The maturity date of the Mosaic Credit Facility is December 5, 2018.
The Mosaic Credit Facility has cross-default provisions that, in general, provide that a failure to pay principal or interest under any one item of other indebtedness in excess of $50 million or $75 million for multiple items of other indebtedness, or breach or default under such indebtedness that permits the holders thereof to accelerate the maturity thereof, will result in a cross-default.
The Mosaic Credit Facility requires Mosaic to maintain certain financial ratios, including a maximum ratio of Total Debt to EBITDA (as defined) of 3.5 to 1.0 as well as a minimum Interest Coverage Ratio (as defined) of not less than 3.0 to 1.0.
The Mosaic Credit Facility also contains other events of default and covenants that limit various matters. These provisions include limitations on indebtedness, liens, investments and acquisitions (other than capital expenditures), certain mergers, certain sales of assets and other matters customary for credit facilities of this nature.
Short-Term Debt
Short-term debt consists of the revolving credit facility under the Mosaic Credit Facility, under which there were no borrowings as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and various other short-term borrowings related to our international distribution activities. These short-term borrowings outstanding were $13.5 million as of December 31, 2014, are denominated in various currencies and bear interest at rates between 6.0% and 10.8% and mature at various dates in 2015.
We had outstanding letters of credit that utilized a portion of the amount available for revolving loans under the Mosaic Credit Facility of $23.1 million and $19.0 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The net available borrowings for revolving loans under the Mosaic Credit Facility as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 were approximately $1,476.9 million and $1,481.0 million, respectively. Unused commitment fees under the Mosaic Credit Facility accrued at an average annual rate of 0.125% for calendar 2014, and 0.19% for the 7 months ended December 31, 2013, 0.20% for fiscal 2013 and 0.21% for fiscal 2012, generating expenses of $1.9 million, $0.9 million, $1.5 million and $1.6 million, respectively.
We had additional outstanding letters of credit of $7.1 million as of December 31, 2014.
Long-Term Debt, including Current Maturities
On March 20, 2014, Mosaic entered into the Term Loan Facility with certain financial institutions. The Term Loan Facility consists of $370 million Term A-1 Loans (the “Term A-1 Loans”) and $430 million Term A-2 Loans (“Term A-2 Loans,” and collectively with the Term A-1 Loans, “Loans”).
On September 18, 2014, Mosaic borrowed the entire amount available under the Term Loan Facility.
Final maturity of the Term A-1 Loans is September 18, 2017 and final maturity of the Term A-2 Loans is September 18, 2019. In addition, Mosaic is required to repay 5.00% of the Term A-1 loan balance on each of September 18, 2015 and 2016 and 5.00% of the Term A-2 loan balance on each of September 18, 2015 and 2016, 7.50% on September 18, 2017, and 10.00% on September 18, 2018. Mosaic may prepay outstanding Term A-1 Loans and Term A-2 Loans at any time and from time to time, without premium or penalty. The interest rate currently applicable to outstanding Loans is LIBOR plus 1.125%.
Net proceeds from borrowings under the Term Loan Facility replaced a portion of the cash that Mosaic used to fund the CF Phosphate Assets Acquisition and certain related liabilities on March 17, 2014. Under the Term Loan Facility, proceeds of borrowings may also be used for working capital, capital expenditures, dividends, share repurchases, other acquisitions and other lawful corporate purposes.
The Term Loan Facility has default provisions and covenants similar to those under the Mosaic Credit Facility.
On November 7, 2013, we completed a $2 billion public offering consisting of $900 million aggregate principal amount of 4.25% Senior Notes due 2023, $500 million aggregate principal amount of 5.45% Senior Notes due 2033, and $600 million aggregate principal amount of 5.625% Senior Notes due 2043 (collectively, the “Senior Notes of 2013”).
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We received net proceeds from this offering of approximately $1.98 billion, which we used for general corporate purposes, including, without limitation, working capital, capital expenditures, strategic opportunities and distributions to our stockholders, either in the form of share repurchases or dividends.
The Senior Notes of 2013 are Mosaic’s senior unsecured obligations and rank equally in right of payment with Mosaic’s existing and future senior unsecured indebtedness. The indenture governing the Senior Notes of 2013 contains restrictive covenants limiting debt secured by liens, sale and leaseback transactions and mergers, consolidations and sales of substantially all assets as well as other events of default.
We have additional senior notes outstanding, consisting of $450 million aggregate principal amount of 3.750% senior notes due 2021 and $300 million aggregate principal amount of 4.875% Senior Notes due 2041 (collectively, the “Senior Notes of 2011”).
Two debentures, issued by Mosaic Global Holdings, Inc., one of our consolidated subsidiaries, the first due in 2018 (the “2018 Debentures”) and the second due in 2028 (the “2028 Debentures”) remain outstanding with balances of $89.0 million and $147.1 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2014. The indentures governing the 2018 Debentures and the 2028 Debentures also contain restrictive covenants limiting debt secured by liens, sale and leaseback transactions and mergers, consolidations and sales of substantially all assets as well as events of default. The obligations under the 2018 Debentures and the 2028 Debentures are guaranteed by several of the Company’s subsidiaries.
Long-term debt primarily consists of term loans, industrial revenue bonds, secured notes, unsecured notes, and unsecured debentures. Long-term debt as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, consisted of the following:
(in millions) | December 31, 2014 Stated Interest Rate | December 31, 2014 Effective Interest Rate | Maturity Date | December 31, 2014 Stated Value | Combination Fair Market Value Adjustment | Discount on Notes Issuance | December 31, 2014 Carrying Value | December 31, 2013 Stated Value | Combination Fair Market Value Adjustment | Discount on Notes Issuance | December 31, 2013 Carrying Value | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Industrial revenue and recovery zone bonds | 1.15% | 1.15% | 2040 | $ | 15.9 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 15.9 | $ | 16.8 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 16.8 | |||||||||||||||||||
Unsecured notes | 3.75% - 5.63% | 4.73% | 2021- 2043 | 2,750.0 | — | (10.1 | ) | 2,739.9 | 2,750.0 | — | (11.2 | ) | 2,738.8 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unsecured debentures | 7.30% - 7.38% | 7.08% | 2018- 2028 | 236.1 | 2.8 | — | 238.9 | 236.1 | 3.1 | — | 239.2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Term Loans | Libor plus 1.125% | 1.28% | 2017- 2019 | 800.0 | — | — | 800.0 | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other | 2.50% - 9.00% | 6.59% | 2014- 2023 | 24.3 | — | — | 24.3 | 14.5 | — | — | 14.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total long-term debt | 3,826.3 | 2.8 | (10.1 | ) | 3,819.0 | 3,017.4 | 3.1 | (11.2 | ) | 3,009.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Less current portion | 41.6 | 0.4 | (1.0 | ) | 41.0 | 1.1 | 0.4 | (1.1 | ) | 0.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total long-term debt, less current maturities | $ | 3,784.7 | $ | 2.4 | $ | (9.1 | ) | $ | 3,778.0 | $ | 3,016.3 | $ | 2.7 | $ | (10.1 | ) | $ | 3,008.9 |
Scheduled maturities of long-term debt are as follows for the periods ending December 31:
(in millions) | |||
2015 | $ | 41.0 | |
2016 | 43.7 | ||
2017 | 365.9 | ||
2018 | 132.4 | ||
2019 | 315.7 | ||
Thereafter | 2,920.3 | ||
Total | $ | 3,819.0 |
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12. INCOME TAXES
In preparing our Consolidated Financial Statements, we utilize the asset and liability approach in accounting for income taxes. We recognize income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which we have a presence. For each jurisdiction, we estimate the actual amount of income taxes currently payable or receivable, as well as deferred income tax assets and liabilities attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which these temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
The provision for income taxes for calendar 2014, the seven months ended December 31, 2013, and the fiscal years ended May 31, 2013 and 2012 consisted of the following:
Year Ended December 31, | Seven Months Ended December 31, | Years Ended May 31, | |||||||||||||
(in millions) | 2014 | 2013 | 2013 | 2012 | |||||||||||
Current: | |||||||||||||||
Federal | $ | 46.0 | $ | (25.0 | ) | $ | 138.8 | $ | 314.5 | ||||||
State | 11.8 | (15.1 | ) | 42.5 | 61.0 | ||||||||||
Non-U.S. | 265.4 | 141.9 | 81.5 | 77.0 | |||||||||||
Total current | 323.2 | 101.8 | 262.8 | 452.5 | |||||||||||
Deferred: | |||||||||||||||
Federal | (103.6 | ) | 32.8 | (32.9 | ) | 7.4 | |||||||||
State | (16.4 | ) | (0.3 | ) | (14.1 | ) | 9.0 | ||||||||
Non-U.S. | (18.5 | ) | 18.3 | 125.2 | 242.5 | ||||||||||
Total deferred | (138.5 | ) | 50.8 | 78.2 | 258.9 | ||||||||||
Provision for income taxes | $ | 184.7 | $ | 152.6 | $ | 341.0 | $ | 711.4 |
The components of earnings from consolidated companies before income taxes, and the effects of significant adjustments to tax computed at the federal statutory rate, were as follows:
Year Ended December 31, | Seven Months Ended December 31, | Years Ended May 31, | |||||||||||||
(in millions) | 2014 | 2013 | 2013 | 2012 | |||||||||||
United States earnings | $ | 312.9 | $ | 208.2 | $ | 1,158.1 | $ | 1,412.7 | |||||||
Non-U.S. earnings | 904.4 | 276.0 | 1,056.4 | 1,216.2 | |||||||||||
Earnings from consolidated companies before income taxes | $ | 1,217.3 | $ | 484.2 | $ | 2,214.5 | $ | 2,628.9 | |||||||
Computed tax at the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% | 35.0 | % | 35.0 | % | 35.0 | % | 35.0 | % | |||||||
State and local income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit | 0.1 | % | 1.2 | % | 1.6 | % | 1.6 | % | |||||||
Percentage depletion in excess of basis | (9.7 | )% | (15.7 | )% | (7.1 | )% | (6.6 | )% | |||||||
Impact of non-U.S. earnings | (3.8 | )% | 3.8 | % | (10.2 | )% | (2.9 | )% | |||||||
Non-taxable change in value of share repurchase agreement | 1.7 | % | (5.3 | )% | — | % | — | % | |||||||
Change in valuation allowance | (7.6 | )% | 10.0 | % | (3.6 | )% | 0.4 | % | |||||||
Other items (none in excess of 5% of computed tax) | (0.5 | )% | 2.5 | % | (0.3 | )% | (0.4 | )% | |||||||
Effective tax rate | 15.2 | % | 31.5 | % | 15.4 | % | 27.1 | % |
In the year ended December 31, 2014, the impact of non-U.S. earnings included a cost of $81.0 million related to certain non-U.S. subsidiaries where our earnings were not permanently re-invested, a deferred tax benefit of $47.0 million related to a change in the tax status of a Brazilian subsidiary and a benefit of $8.1 million related to the settlement of certain non-U.S. tax matters. The non-U.S. earnings is also impacted by the mix of earnings across the jurisdictions in which we operate. In
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addition, the effective rate reflects decreases of $32.8 million related to the release of valuation allowances related to net operating losses and other deferred tax assets at a Brazilian subsidiary, and $53.6 million related to losses on the sale of our distribution business in Argentina, which are both reflected in the change in valuation allowance above.
The seven months ended December 31, 2013 reflect increased expenses of $4.0 million related to the resolution of certain multi-jurisdictional tax matters and $100.8 million due to no longer being permanently re-invested in certain non-U.S. subsidiaries, which are included in the impact of non-U.S. earnings above.
The fiscal 2013 effective tax rate reflects a decrease of $179.3 million due to the resolution of certain tax matters, which is included in the impact of non-U.S. earnings above.
Significant components of our deferred tax liabilities and assets as of December 31 were as follows:
December 31, | |||||||
(in millions) | 2014 | 2013 | |||||
Deferred tax liabilities: | |||||||
Depreciation and amortization | $ | 897.9 | $ | 1,029.8 | |||
Depletion | 397.9 | 388.6 | |||||
Partnership tax basis differences | 120.1 | 106.2 | |||||
Undistributed earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries | 219.5 | 319.6 | |||||
Other liabilities | 41.5 | 150.9 | |||||
Total deferred tax liabilities | $ | 1,676.9 | $ | 1,995.1 | |||
Deferred tax assets: | |||||||
Alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards | $ | 144.5 | $ | 113.8 | |||
Capital loss carryforwards | — | 54.6 | |||||
Foreign tax credit carryforwards | 450.5 | 580.9 | |||||
Net operating loss carryforwards | 103.1 | 145.3 | |||||
Pension plans and other benefits | 29.1 | 17.1 | |||||
Asset retirement obligations | 263.7 | 260.0 | |||||
Other assets | 269.7 | 182.7 | |||||
Subtotal | 1,260.6 | 1,354.4 | |||||
Valuation allowance | 28.3 | 129.2 | |||||
Net deferred tax assets | 1,232.3 | 1,225.2 | |||||
Net deferred tax liabilities | $ | (444.6 | ) | $ | (769.9 | ) |
We have certain entities that are taxed in both their local currency jurisdiction and the U.S. As a result, we have deferred tax balances for both jurisdictions. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, these non-U.S. deferred taxes are offset by approximately $457.0 million and $384.9 million, respectively, of anticipated foreign tax credits included within our depreciation and depletion components of deferred tax liabilities above.
As of December 31, 2014, we had estimated carryforwards for tax purposes as follows: alternative minimum tax credits of $144.5 million, net operating losses of $343.1 million and foreign tax credits of $450.5 million. These carryforward benefits may be subject to limitations imposed by the Internal Revenue Code, and in certain cases, provisions of foreign law. The alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards can be carried forward indefinitely. The majority of our net operating loss carryforwards relate to Brazil and can be carried forward indefinitely but are limited to 30 percent of taxable income each year. Of the $450.5 million of foreign tax credits, approximately $350 million have an expiration date of calendar 2018 or earlier. The majority of the remaining balance expires in calendar 2023. The realization of our foreign tax credit carryforwards is dependent on market conditions, repatriation of the undistributed earnings of certain non-U.S. subsidiaries, and other business outcomes. We will need certain types of taxable income totaling approximately $1.3 billion in the U.S. between calendar 2014 and calendar 2023 to fully utilize our foreign tax credit carryforwards, the majority of which must be earned before calendar 2018.
We have no intention of remitting certain undistributed earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries aggregating $2.2 billion as of December 31, 2014, and accordingly, no deferred tax liability has been established relative to these earnings. Generally, such amounts become subject to U.S. taxation upon the remittance of dividends and under certain other circumstances. The calculation of the unrecognized deferred tax liability related to these earnings is complex and is not practicable.
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Valuation Allowance
In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, we consider whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. We evaluate our ability to realize the tax benefits associated with deferred tax assets by analyzing the relative impact of all the available positive and negative evidence regarding our forecasted taxable income using both historical and projected future operating results, the reversal of existing taxable temporary differences, taxable income in prior carry-back years (if permitted) and the availability of tax planning strategies. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of certain types of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. In making this assessment, we consider the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, our ability to carry back the deferred tax asset, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies. A valuation allowance will be recorded in each jurisdiction in which a deferred income tax asset is recorded when it is more likely than not that the deferred income tax asset will not be realized. Changes in deferred tax asset valuation allowances typically impact income tax expense.
Prior to the year ended December 31, 2014, we had provided a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets primarily related to net operating losses at certain non-U.S. subsidiaries. As of December 31, 2014, we determined that sufficient positive evidence existed to conclude it was more likely than not that we would realize the benefits of the net operating loss and other deferred tax assets at a Brazilian subsidiary for which a valuation allowance had been recorded. We also concluded that it was more likely than not that we would realize the benefits related to losses on the sale of a distribution business in a non-U.S. subsidiary. Accordingly, during the year ended December 31, 2014, the valuation allowance decreased $100.9 million primarily related to these two items.
For the seven months ended December 31, 2013, the valuation allowance increased $35.4 million primarily due to our determination that it was not more likely than not that we would be able to utilize the anticipated capital loss resulting from the write down of our distribution business in Argentina and Chile.
In fiscal 2013, the valuation allowance decreased $86.6 million primarily due to our determination that the valuation allowance against certain non-U.S. deferred tax assets recorded in prior fiscal years could be reduced. In fiscal 2012, the valuation allowance decreased by $29.0 million.
Uncertain Tax Positions
Accounting for uncertain income tax positions is determined by prescribing a minimum probability threshold that a tax position must meet before a financial statement benefit is recognized. This minimum threshold is that a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by the applicable taxing authority, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefit to be recognized is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than a fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement.
As of December 31, 2014, we had $100.6 million of gross uncertain tax positions. If recognized, the benefit to our effective tax rate in future periods would be approximately $100.0 million of that amount. During calendar 2014, we recorded gross increases in our uncertain tax positions of $21.3 million related to certain non-U.S. tax matters, which partially offset the decrease of $32.6 million on the same matter. The impact to the effective rate was a decrease to the expense of $8.1 million, net of offsetting items not included in gross uncertain tax positions.
We also recorded a gross increase of $11.7 million relating to other matters impacting prior fiscal years, which did not impact our effective rate.
Based upon the information available as of December 31, 2014, we anticipate that the amount of uncertain tax positions will change in the next twelve months; however, the change cannot reasonably be estimated.
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Year Ended December 31, | Seven Months Ended December 31, | Year ended May 31, | |||||||||
(in millions) | 2014 | 2013 | 2013 | ||||||||
Gross unrecognized tax benefits, beginning of period | $ | 99.2 | $ | 316.8 | $ | 476.9 | |||||
Gross increases: | |||||||||||
Prior period tax positions | 33.0 | 128.5 | 7.7 | ||||||||
Current period tax positions | 2.8 | 0.4 | 36.6 | ||||||||
Gross decreases: | |||||||||||
Prior period tax positions | — | (24.0 | ) | (204.3 | ) | ||||||
Settlements | (32.6 | ) | (323.7 | ) | — | ||||||
Currency translation | (1.8 | ) | 1.2 | (0.1 | ) | ||||||
Gross unrecognized tax benefits, end of period | $ | 100.6 | $ | 99.2 | $ | 316.8 |
We recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of our income tax expense. Interest and penalties accrued in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 are $20.0 million and $28.8 million, respectively, and are included in other noncurrent liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
We operate in multiple tax jurisdictions, both within the United States and outside the United States, and face audits from various tax authorities regarding transfer pricing, deductibility of certain expenses, and intercompany transactions, as well as other matters. With few exceptions, we are no longer subject to examination for tax years prior to 2008.
We are currently under audit by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service for fiscal 2011 and 2012 and by the Canada Revenue Agency for fiscal 2008 to 2013. Based on the information available, we do not anticipate significant changes to our unrecognized tax benefits as a result of these examinations.
13. ACCOUNTING FOR ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS
We recognize AROs in the period in which we have an existing legal obligation associated with the retirement of a tangible long-lived asset, and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated. The ARO is recognized at fair value when the liability is incurred with a corresponding increase in the carrying amount of the related long lived asset. We depreciate the tangible asset over its estimated useful life. The liability is adjusted in subsequent periods through accretion expense which represents the increase in the present value of the liability due to the passage of time. Such depreciation and accretion expenses are included in cost of goods sold for operating facilities and other operating expense for indefinitely closed facilities.
Our legal obligations related to asset retirement require us to: (i) reclaim lands disturbed by mining as a condition to receive permits to mine phosphate ore reserves; (ii) treat low pH process water in phosphogypsum management systems (the “Gypstacks”) to neutralize acidity; (iii) close and monitor Gypstacks at our Florida and Louisiana facilities at the end of their useful lives; (iv) remediate certain other conditional obligations; (v) remove all surface structures and equipment, plug and abandon mine shafts, contour and revegetate, as necessary, and monitor for five years after closing our Carlsbad, New Mexico facility and (vi) decommission facilities, manage tailings and execute site reclamation at our Saskatchewan potash mines at the end of their useful lives. The estimated liability for these legal obligations is based on the estimated cost to satisfy the above obligations which is discounted using a credit-adjusted risk-free rate.
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A reconciliation of our AROs is as follows:
Year Ended December 31, | Seven Months Ended December 31, | ||||||
(in millions) | 2014 | 2013 | |||||
AROs, beginning of period | $ | 723.9 | $ | 658.5 | |||
Liabilities acquired in CF Phosphate Assets Acquisition | 145.6 | — | |||||
Liabilities incurred | 21.7 | 13.6 | |||||
Liabilities settled | (91.1 | ) | (37.0 | ) | |||
Accretion expense | 42.1 | 21.6 | |||||
Revisions in estimated cash flows | 17.3 | 67.2 | |||||
AROs, end of period | 859.5 | 723.9 | |||||
Less current portion | 87.9 | 86.3 | |||||
$ | 771.6 | $ | 637.6 |
14. ACCOUNTING FOR DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES
We periodically enter into derivatives to mitigate our exposure to foreign currency risks and the effects of changing commodity and freight prices. We record all derivatives on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value. The fair value of these instruments is determined by using quoted market prices, third party comparables, or internal estimates. We net our derivative asset and liability positions when we have a master netting arrangement in place. Changes in the fair value of the foreign currency, commodity, and freight derivatives are immediately recognized in earnings because we do not apply hedge accounting treatment to these instruments. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the gross asset position of our derivative instruments was $9.0 million and $7.9 million, respectively, and the gross liability position of our liability instruments was $54.8 million and $20.4 million, respectively.
We do not apply hedge accounting treatments to our foreign currency exchange contracts, commodities contracts, or freight contracts. Unrealized gains and (losses) on foreign currency exchange contracts used to hedge cash flows related to the production of our product are included in cost of goods sold in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Unrealized gains and (losses) on commodities contracts and certain forward freight agreements are also recorded in cost of goods sold in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Unrealized gains or (losses) on foreign currency exchange contracts used to hedge cash flows that are not related to the production of our products are included in the foreign currency transaction gain (loss) line in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
The following is the total absolute notional volume associated with our outstanding derivative instruments:
(in millions of Units) | ||||||||||
Instrument | Derivative Category | Unit of Measure | December 31, 2014 | December 31, 2013 | ||||||
Foreign currency derivatives | Foreign Currency | US Dollars | 1,132.3 | 940.2 | ||||||
Natural gas derivatives | Commodity | MMbtu | 24.4 | 8.2 |
Credit-Risk-Related Contingent Features
Certain of our derivative instruments contain provisions that require us to post collateral. These provisions also state that if our debt were to be rated below investment grade, certain counterparties to the derivative instruments could request full collateralization on derivative instruments in net liability positions. The aggregate fair value of all derivative instruments with credit-risk-related contingent features that were in a liability position as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 was $41.7 million and $12.3 million, respectively. We have not posted cash collateral in the normal course of business associated with these contracts. If the credit-risk-related contingent features underlying these agreements were triggered on December 31, 2014, we would be required to post an additional $40.7 million of collateral assets, which are either cash or U.S. Treasury instruments, to the counterparties.
Counterparty Credit Risk
We enter into foreign exchange and certain commodity derivatives, primarily with a diversified group of highly rated counterparties. We continually monitor our positions and the credit ratings of the counterparties involved and limit the amount
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of credit exposure to any one party. While we may be exposed to potential losses due to the credit risk of non-performance by these counterparties, losses are not anticipated. We closely monitor the credit risk associated with our counterparties and customers and to date have not experienced material losses.
15. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Following is a summary of the valuation techniques for assets and liabilities recorded in our Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value on a recurring basis:
Foreign Currency Derivatives—The foreign currency derivative instruments that we currently use are forward contracts, zero-cost collars, and futures, which typically expire within one year. Valuations are based on exchange-quoted prices, which are classified as Level 1. Some of the valuations are adjusted by a forward yield curve or interest rates. In such cases, these derivative contracts are classified within Level 2. Changes in the fair market values of these contracts are recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements as a component of cost of goods sold or foreign currency transaction (gain) loss. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the gross asset position of our foreign currency derivative instruments was $4.6 million and $0.6 million, respectively, and the gross liability position of our foreign currency derivative instruments was $39.8 million and $18.1 million, respectively.
Commodity Derivatives—The commodity contracts primarily relate to natural gas. The commodity derivative instruments that we currently use are forward purchase contracts, swaps, and three-way collars. The natural gas contracts settle using NYMEX futures or AECO price indexes, which represent fair value at any given time. The contracts’ maturities are for future months and settlements are scheduled to coincide with anticipated gas purchases during those future periods. Quoted market prices from NYMEX and AECO are used to determine the fair value of these instruments. These market prices are adjusted by a forward yield curve and are classified within Level 2. Changes in the fair market values of these contracts are recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements as a component of cost of goods sold. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the gross asset position of our commodity derivative instruments was $4.4 million and $6.0 million, respectively, and the gross liability position of our commodity derivative instruments was $14.9 million and $2.0 million, respectively.
Financial Instruments
The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of our financial instruments are as follows:
December 31, | |||||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | ||||||||||||||
Carrying | Fair | Carrying | Fair | ||||||||||||
(in millions) | Amount | Value | Amount | Value | |||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 2,374.6 | $ | 2,374.6 | $ | 5,293.1 | $ | 5,293.1 | |||||||
Accounts receivable | 754.4 | 754.4 | 543.1 | 543.1 | |||||||||||
Accounts payable trade | 797.3 | 797.3 | 570.2 | 570.2 | |||||||||||
Short-term debt | 13.5 | 13.5 | 22.6 | 22.6 | |||||||||||
Long-term debt, including current portion | 3,819.0 | 4,101.2 | 3,009.3 | 3,059.6 |
For cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and short-term debt, the carrying amount approximates fair value because of the short-term maturity of those instruments. The fair value of long-term debt is estimated using quoted market prices for the publicly registered notes and debentures, classified as Level 1 and Level 2, respectively, within the fair value hierarchy, depending on the market liquidity of the debt.
16. GUARANTEES AND INDEMNITIES
We enter into various contracts that include indemnification and guarantee provisions as a routine part of our business activities. Examples of these contracts include asset purchase and sale agreements, surety bonds, financial assurances to regulatory agencies in connection with reclamation and closure obligations, commodity sale and purchase agreements, and other types of contractual agreements with vendors and other third parties. These agreements indemnify counterparties for matters such as reclamation and closure obligations, tax liabilities, environmental liabilities, litigation and other matters, as well as breaches by Mosaic of representations, warranties and covenants set forth in these agreements. In many cases, we are essentially guaranteeing our own performance, in which case the guarantees do not fall within the scope of the accounting and disclosures requirements under U.S. GAAP.
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Our more significant guarantees and indemnities are as follows:
Guarantees to Brazilian Financial Parties. From time to time, we issue guarantees to financial parties in Brazil for certain amounts owed the institutions by certain customers of Mosaic. The guarantees are for all or part of the customers’ obligations. In the event that the customers default on their payments to the institutions and we would be required to perform under the guarantees, we have in most instances obtained collateral from the customers. We monitor the nonperformance risk of the counterparties and have noted no material concerns regarding their ability to perform on their obligations. The guarantees generally have a one-year term, but may extend up to two years or longer depending on the crop cycle, and we expect to renew many of these guarantees on a rolling twelve-month basis. As of December 31, 2014, we have estimated the maximum potential future payment under the guarantees to be $63.6 million. The fair value of our guarantees is immaterial to the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.
Other Indemnities. Our maximum potential exposure under other indemnification arrangements can range from a specified dollar amount to an unlimited amount, depending on the nature of the transaction. Total maximum potential exposure under these indemnification arrangements is not estimable due to uncertainty as to whether claims will be made or how they will be resolved. We do not believe that we will be required to make any material payments under these indemnity provisions.
Because many of the guarantees and indemnities we issue to third parties do not limit the amount or duration of our obligations to perform under them, there exists a risk that we may have obligations in excess of the amounts described above. For those guarantees and indemnities that do not limit our liability exposure, we may not be able to estimate what our liability would be until a claim is made for payment or performance due to the contingent nature of these arrangements. See Note 2 of our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information for indemnification provisions related to the Cargill Transaction.
17. PENSION PLANS AND OTHER BENEFITS
We sponsor pension and postretirement benefits through a variety of plans including defined benefit plans, defined contribution plans, and postretirement benefit plans in North America and certain of our international locations. We reserve the right to amend, modify, or terminate the Mosaic sponsored plans at any time, subject to provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”), prior agreements and our collective bargaining agreements.
Defined Benefit and Postretirement Medical Benefit Plans
We sponsor various defined benefit pension plans in the U.S. and in Canada. Benefits are based on different combinations of years of service and compensation levels, depending on the plan. Generally, contributions to the U.S. plans are made to meet minimum funding requirements of ERISA, while contributions to Canadian plans are made in accordance with Pension Benefits Acts instituted by the provinces of Saskatchewan and Ontario. Certain employees in the U.S. and Canada, whose pension benefits exceed Internal Revenue Code and Canada Revenue Agency limitations, respectively, are covered by supplementary non-qualified, unfunded pension plans.
We provide certain health care benefit plans for certain retired employees (“Retiree Health Plans”) which may be either contributory or non-contributory and contain certain other cost-sharing features such as deductibles and coinsurance. The Retiree Health Plans are unfunded and the projected benefit obligation was $56.2 million and $52.8 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The related income statement effects of the Retiree Health Plans are not material to the Company.
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Accounting for Pension Plans
The year-end status of the North American pension plans was as follows:
Pension Plans | |||||||
Year Ended December 31, | Seven Months Ended December 31, | ||||||
(in millions) | 2014 | 2013 | |||||
Change in projected benefit obligation: | |||||||
Benefit obligation at beginning of period | $ | 728.0 | $ | 788.6 | |||
Service cost | 6.3 | 4.6 | |||||
Interest cost | 32.8 | 19.0 | |||||
Actuarial (gain) loss | 124.8 | (49.3 | ) | ||||
Currency fluctuations | (26.8 | ) | (11.8 | ) | |||
Benefits paid | (42.1 | ) | (23.1 | ) | |||
Special termination costs | 5.4 | — | |||||
Projected benefit obligation at end of period | $ | 828.4 | $ | 728.0 | |||
Change in plan assets: | |||||||
Fair value at beginning of period | $ | 736.9 | $ | 707.6 | |||
Currency fluctuations | (26.3 | ) | (9.1 | ) | |||
Actual return | 110.7 | 18.8 | |||||
Company contribution | 32.9 | 42.7 | |||||
Benefits paid | (42.1 | ) | (23.1 | ) | |||
Fair value at end of period | $ | 812.1 | $ | 736.9 | |||
Funded/(unfunded) status of the plans as of the end of period | $ | (16.3 | ) | $ | 8.9 | ||
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets: | |||||||
Noncurrent assets | $ | 10.1 | $ | 30.2 | |||
Current liabilities | (0.6 | ) | (0.6 | ) | |||
Noncurrent liabilities | (25.8 | ) | (20.7 | ) | |||
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss | |||||||
Prior service costs (credits) | $ | 18.7 | $ | 24.9 | |||
Actuarial (gain) loss | 120.6 | 73.1 |
The accumulated benefit obligation for the defined benefit pension plans was $823.7 million and $724.0 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
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The components of net annual periodic benefit costs and other amounts recognized in other comprehensive income include the following components:
Pension Plans | ||||||||||||||||
(in millions) | Year Ended December 31, | Seven Months Ended December 31, | Years Ended May 31, | |||||||||||||
Net Periodic Benefit Cost | 2014 | 2013 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||||
Service cost | $ | 6.3 | $ | 4.6 | $ | 6.5 | $ | 5.6 | ||||||||
Interest cost | 32.8 | 19.0 | 32.6 | 34.5 | ||||||||||||
Expected return on plan assets | (44.0 | ) | (25.1 | ) | (37.3 | ) | (35.8 | ) | ||||||||
Amortization of: | ||||||||||||||||
Prior service cost/(credit) | 1.9 | 1.4 | 1.3 | 1.3 | ||||||||||||
Actuarial (gain)/loss | 4.7 | 5.4 | 16.1 | 13.4 | ||||||||||||
Preliminary net periodic benefit cost | $ | 1.7 | $ | 5.3 | $ | 19.2 | $ | 19.0 | ||||||||
Curtailment expense | 2.3 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||
Special termination costs | 5.4 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||
Total net periodic benefit cost | $ | 9.4 | $ | 5.3 | $ | 19.2 | $ | 19.0 | ||||||||
Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit | ||||||||||||||||
Obligations Recognized in Other | ||||||||||||||||
Comprehensive Income | ||||||||||||||||
Prior service cost (credit) recognized in other comprehensive income | $ | (1.9 | ) | $ | (1.3 | ) | $ | 14.1 | $ | (1.3 | ) | |||||
Net actuarial loss (gain) recognized in other comprehensive income | 53.3 | (48.5 | ) | (5.9 | ) | 36.3 | ||||||||||
Total recognized in other comprehensive income | $ | 51.4 | $ | (49.8 | ) | $ | 8.2 | $ | 35.0 | |||||||
Total recognized in net periodic benefit (income) cost and other comprehensive income | $ | 60.8 | $ | (44.5 | ) | $ | 27.4 | $ | 54.0 |
The estimated net actuarial (gain) loss and prior service cost (credit) for the pension plans and postretirement plans that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost in calendar 2015 is $9.2 million.
The following estimated benefit payments, which reflect estimated future service are expected to be paid by the related plans in the calendar years ending December 31:
(in millions) | Pension Plans Benefit Payments | Other Postretirement Plans Benefit Payments | Medicare Part D Adjustments | |||||
2015 | 42.2 | 5.8 | 0.6 | |||||
2016 | 43.4 | 5.8 | 0.6 | |||||
2017 | 44.3 | 5.5 | 0.6 | |||||
2018 | 45.9 | 5.1 | 0.6 | |||||
2019 | 47.3 | 4.5 | 0.6 | |||||
2020-2024 | 247.8 | 16.9 | 1.9 |
In calendar 2015, we need to contribute cash of at least $14.6 million to the pension plans to meet minimum funding requirements. Also in calendar 2015, we anticipate contributing cash of $5.8 million to the postretirement medical benefit plans to fund anticipated benefit payments.
Plan Assets and Investment Strategies
The Company’s overall investment strategy is to obtain sufficient return and provide adequate liquidity to meet the benefit obligations of our pension plans. Investments are made in public securities to ensure adequate liquidity to support benefit payments. Domestic and international stocks and bonds provide diversification to the portfolio.
For the U.S. plans, we utilize an asset allocation policy that seeks to maintain a fully-funded plan status under the Pension Protection Act of 2006. As such, the primary investment objective beyond accumulating sufficient assets to meet future benefit
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obligations is to monitor and manage the liabilities of the plan to better insulate the portfolio from changes in interest rates that are impacting the liabilities. This requires an interest rate management strategy to reduce the sensitivity in the plan’s funded status and having a portion of the Plan’s assets invested in return-seeking strategies. Currently, our policy includes a 75% allocation to fixed income and 25% to return-seeking strategies.
For the Canadian pension plan the investment objectives for the pension plans’ assets are as follows: (i) achieve a nominal annualized rate of return equal to or greater than the actuarially assumed investment return over ten to twenty-year periods; (ii) achieve an annualized rate of return of the Consumer Price Index plus 5% over ten to twenty-year periods; (iii) realize annual, three and five-year annualized rates of return consistent with or in excess of specific respective market benchmarks at the individual asset class level; and (iv) achieve an overall return on the pension plans’ assets consistent with or in excess of the total fund benchmark, which is a hybrid benchmark customized to reflect the trusts’ asset allocation and performance objectives. Currently, our policy includes a 40% allocation to fixed income and 60% to return-seeking strategies.
A significant amount of the assets are invested in funds that are managed by a group of professional investment managers. These funds are mainly commingled funds. Performance is reviewed by Mosaic management monthly by comparing each fund’s return to benchmark with an in depth quarterly review presented by the professional investment managers to the Global Pension Investment Committee. We do not have any significant concentrations of credit risk or industry sectors within the plan assets. Assets may be indirectly invested in Mosaic stock, but any risk related to this investment would be immaterial due to the insignificant percentage of the total pension assets that would be invested in Mosaic stock.
Fair Value Measurements of Plan Assets
The following tables provide fair value measurement, by asset class of the Company’s defined benefit plan assets for both the U.S. and Canadian plans:
(in millions) | December 31, 2014 | ||||||||||||||
Pension Plan Assets | Total | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | |||||||||||
Asset Category | |||||||||||||||
Cash | $ | 8.6 | $ | 8.6 | $ | — | $ | — | |||||||
Equity securities(a) | 302.2 | — | 285.9 | 16.3 | |||||||||||
Fixed income(b) | 491.9 | — | 491.9 | — | |||||||||||
Private equity funds | 9.4 | — | — | 9.4 | |||||||||||
Total assets at fair value | $ | 812.1 | $ | 8.6 | $ | 777.8 | $ | 25.7 | |||||||
(in millions) | December 31, 2013 | ||||||||||||||
Pension Plan Assets | Total | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | |||||||||||
Asset Category | |||||||||||||||
Cash | $ | 9.8 | $ | 9.8 | $ | — | $ | — | |||||||
Equity securities(a) | 281.1 | — | 262.8 | 18.3 | |||||||||||
Fixed income(b) | 433.9 | — | 433.9 | — | |||||||||||
Private equity funds | 12.1 | — | — | 12.1 | |||||||||||
Total assets at fair value | $ | 736.9 | $ | 9.8 | $ | 696.7 | $ | 30.4 |
(a) | This class includes several funds that are invested approximately 46% in U.S. equity securities, 26% in international equity securities, 23% in Canadian equity securities, and 5% in other real estate securities. |
(b) | This class includes several funds that are invested approximately 57% in corporate debt securities, 22% in other governmental securities in the U.S. and Canada, 13% in U.S. government debt securities, 5% in foreign entity debt securities and 3% in Canadian government securities. |
Rates and Assumptions
The approach used to develop the discount rate for the pension and postretirement plans is commonly referred to as the yield curve approach. Under this approach, we use a hypothetical curve formed by the average yields of available corporate bonds rated AA and above and match it against the projected benefit payment stream. Each category of cash flow of the projected benefit payment stream is discounted back using the respective interest rate on the yield curve. Using the present value of projected benefit payments, a weighted-average discount rate is derived.
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The approach used to develop the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets combines an analysis of historical performance, the drivers of investment performance by asset class, and current economic fundamentals. For returns, we utilized a building block approach starting with inflation expectations and added an expected real return to arrive at a long-term nominal expected return for each asset class. Long-term expected real returns are derived in the context of future expectations of the U.S. Treasury real yield curve.
Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations were as follows:
Pension Plans | |||||||||||
Year Ended December 31, | Seven Months Ended December 31, | Years Ended May 31, | |||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||
Discount rate | 3.95 | % | 4.75 | % | 4.25 | % | 4.44 | % | |||
Expected return on plan assets | 6.15 | % | 6.15 | % | 6.13 | % | 6.29 | % | |||
Rate of compensation increase | 3.50 | % | 3.50 | % | 4.00 | % | 4.00 | % |
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net benefit cost were as follows:
Pension Plans | |||||||||||
Year Ended December 31, | Seven Months Ended December 31, | Years Ended May 31, | |||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||
Discount rate | 4.75 | % | 4.25 | % | 4.44 | % | 5.13 | % | |||
Expected return on plan assets | 6.15 | % | 6.13 | % | 6.29 | % | 6.87 | % | |||
Rate of compensation increase | 3.50 | % | 4.00 | % | 4.00 | % | 4.00 | % |
Defined Contribution Plans
Eligible salaried and nonunion hourly employees in the U.S. participate in a defined contribution investment plan which permits employees to defer a portion of their compensation through payroll deductions and provides matching contributions. We match 100% of the first 3% of the participant’s contributed pay plus 50% of the next 3% of the participant’s contributed pay, subject to Internal Revenue Service limits. Participant contributions, matching contributions, and the related earnings immediately vest. Mosaic also provides an annual non-elective employer contribution feature for eligible salaried and non-union hourly employees based on the employee’s age and eligible pay. Participants are generally vested in the non-elective employer contributions after three years of service. In addition, a discretionary feature of the plan allows the Company to make additional contributions to employees. Certain union employees participate in a defined contribution retirement plan based on collective bargaining agreements.
Canadian salaried and non-union hourly employees participate in an employer funded plan with employer contributions similar to the U.S. plan. The plan provides a profit sharing component which is paid each year. We also sponsor one mandatory union plan in Canada. Benefits in these plans vest after two years of consecutive service.
The expense attributable to defined contribution plans in the U.S. and Canada was $51.5 million for calendar 2014, $30.2 million for the seven months ended December 31, 2013 and $47.3 million and $41.2 million in fiscal 2013 and 2012, respectively.
18. SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS
The Mosaic Company 2004 Omnibus Stock and Incentive Plan (the “Omnibus Plan”) which was approved by our shareholders and became effective October 20, 2004 and subsequently amended, provides for the grant of shares and share options to employees for up to 25 million shares of common stock. Following the effectiveness of The Mosaic Company 2014 Stock and Incentive Plan (the "2014 Stock and Incentive Plan") as described below, no additional awards were granted under the Omnibus Plan, but the Omnibus Plan will remain in effect with respect to the awards that had previously been granted thereunder.
The Mosaic Company 2014 Stock and Incentive Plan (the "2014 Stock and Incentive Plan") was approved by our shareholders and became effective on May 15, 2014 and permits the grant of stock and stock options to employees for up to 25 million shares of common stock. The 2014 Stock and Incentive Plan provides for grants of stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance units and a variety of other share-based and non-share-based awards. Our employees, officers,
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directors, consultants, agents, advisors, and independent contractors, as well as other designated individuals, are eligible to participate in the 2014 Stock and Incentive Plan.
Mosaic settles stock option exercises, restricted stock units and performance units with newly issued common shares. The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors administers the 2014 Stock and Incentive Plan and the Omnibus Plan subject to their respective provisions and applicable law.
Stock Options
Stock options are granted with an exercise price equal to the market price of our stock at the date of grant and have a ten-year contractual term. The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. Stock options vest in equal annual installments in the first three years following the date of grant (graded vesting). Stock options are expensed on a straight-line basis over the required service period, based on the estimated fair value of the award on the date of grant, net of estimated forfeitures.
Valuation Assumptions
Assumptions used to calculate the fair value of stock options in each period are noted in the following table. Expected volatility is based on the simple average of implied and historical volatility using the daily closing prices of the Company’s stock for a period equal to the expected term of the option. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury rate at the time of the grant for instruments of comparable life.
Year Ended December 31, | Seven Months Ended December 31, | Years Ended May 31, | |||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||
Weighted average assumptions used in option valuations: | |||||||||||
Expected volatility | 42.40 | % | 43.87 | % | 47.70 | % | 51.80 | % | |||
Expected dividend yield | 2.01 | % | 1.85 | % | 1.74 | % | 0.28 | % | |||
Expected term (in years) | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5 | |||||||
Risk-free interest rate | 2.31 | % | 1.99 | % | 0.92 | % | 1.46 | % |
A summary of the status of our stock options as of December 31, 2014, and activity during the calendar year 2014, is as follows:
Shares (in millions) | Weighted Average Exercise Price | Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years) | Aggregate Intrinsic Value | |||||||||
Outstanding as of December 31, 2013 | 2.6 | $ | 44.82 | 5.0 | $ | 28.0 | ||||||
Granted | 0.2 | $ | 49.73 | |||||||||
Exercised | (0.4 | ) | $ | 18.91 | ||||||||
Outstanding as of December 31, 2014 | 2.4 | $ | 48.88 | 4.8 | $ | 16.0 | ||||||
Exercisable as of December 31, 2014 | 2.0 | $ | 48.16 | 4.0 | $ | 16.0 |
The weighted-average grant date fair value of options granted during calendar 2014 was $18.79, $20.87 during the seven months ended December 31, 2013, and $22.71 and $30.96 during fiscal 2013 and 2012, respectively. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during calendar 2014 was $9.4 million, during the seven months ended December 31, 2013 was $1.3 million and during fiscal 2013 and 2012 was $6.8 million and $5.5 million, respectively.
Restricted Stock Units
Restricted stock units are issued to various employees, officers and directors at a price equal to the market price of our stock at the date of grant. The fair value of restricted stock units is equal to the market price of our stock at the date of grant. Restricted stock units generally cliff vest after three years of continuous service and are expensed on a straight-line basis over the required service period, based on the estimated grant date fair value, net of estimated forfeitures.
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A summary of the status of our restricted stock units as of December 31, 2014, and activity during calendar 2014, is as follows:
Shares (in millions) | Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share | |||||
Restricted stock units as of December 31, 2013 | 0.8 | $ | 57.50 | |||
Granted | 0.6 | 48.72 | ||||
Issued and cancelled | (0.4 | ) | 55.51 | |||
Restricted stock units as of December 31, 2014 | 1.0 | $ | 53.12 |
Performance Units
During the year ended December 31, 2014, approximately 100,000 performance units were granted with a weighted average grant date fair value of $61.11. Final performance units are awarded based on the increase or decrease, subject to certain limitations, in Mosaic’s share price from the grant date to the third anniversary of the award, plus dividends. The beginning and ending stock prices are based on a 30 trading-day average stock price. Holders of the awards must be employed at the end of the performance period in order for any shares to vest, except in the event of death, disability or retirement at or after age 60, certain changes in control, and Committee or Board discretion as provided in the related award agreements.
The fair value of each performance unit is determined using a Monte Carlo simulation. This valuation methodology utilizes assumptions consistent with those of our other share-based awards and a range of ending stock prices; however, the expected term of the awards is three years, which impacts the assumptions used to calculate the fair value of performance units as shown in the table below. Performance units are considered equity-classified fixed awards measured at grant-date fair value and not subsequently re-measured. Performance units cliff vest after three years of continuous service. Performance units are expensed on a straight-line basis over the required service period, based on the estimated grant date fair value of the award net of estimated forfeitures.
A summary of the assumptions used to estimate the fair value of performance units is as follows:
Year Ended December 31, | Seven Months Ended December 31, | Years Ended May 31, | |||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||
Weighted average assumptions used in performance unit valuations: | |||||||||||
Expected volatility | 30.39 | % | 32.78 | % | 38.05 | % | 54.72 | % | |||
Expected dividend yield | 2.08 | % | 1.85 | % | 1.74 | % | 0.28 | % | |||
Expected term (in years) | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | |||||||
Risk-free interest rate | 0.77 | % | 0.61 | % | 0.31 | % | 0.69 | % |
A summary of our performance unit activity during calendar 2014 is as follows:
Shares (in millions) | Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share | |||||
Outstanding as of December 31, 2013 | 0.4 | $ | 69.64 | |||
Granted | 0.1 | 61.11 | ||||
Outstanding as of December 31, 2014 | 0.5 | $ | 64.31 |
We recorded share-based compensation expense of $57.2 million for calendar 2014, $25.1 million for the seven months ended December 31, 2013, $32.2 million for fiscal 2013 and $25.2 million for fiscal 2012. The tax benefit related to share-based compensation expense was $19.8 million for calendar 2014, $8.4 million for the seven months ended December 31, 2013, $11.4 million for fiscal 2013 and $8.7 million for fiscal 2012.
As of December 31, 2014, there was $31.6 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to options, restricted stock units and performance units granted under the 2014 Stock and Incentive Plan and the Omnibus Plan. The unrecognized
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compensation cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1 year. The total fair value of options vested in calendar 2014, the seven months ended December 31, 2013 and fiscal 2013 and 2012 was $5.5 million, $7.1 million, $9.5 million and $10.2 million, respectively.
Cash received from exercises of all share-based payment arrangements for calendar 2014, the seven months ended December 31, 2013, fiscal 2013 and 2012 was $6.7 million, $1.1 million, $6.0 million and $3.0 million, respectively. In calendar 2014, the seven months ended December 31, 2013, fiscal 2013 and 2012 we received a tax benefit for tax deductions from options of $10.2 million, $4.4 million, $6.4 million, and $3.7 million, respectively.
19. COMMITMENTS
We lease certain plants, warehouses, terminals, office facilities, railcars and various types of equipment under operating leases, some of which include rent payment escalation clauses, with lease terms ranging from one to ten years. In addition to minimum lease payments, some of our office facility leases require payment of our proportionate share of real estate taxes and building operating expenses.
We have long-term agreements for the purchase of sulfur which is used in the production of phosphoric acid. In addition, we have long-term agreements for the purchase of raw materials, including a commercial offtake agreement with the Miski Mayo Mine for phosphate rock and an agreement with CF for the purchase of ammonia, used to produce phosphate products. We have long-term agreements for the purchase of natural gas, which is a significant raw material, used primarily in the solution mining process in our Potash segment and used in our phosphate concentrates plants. Also, we have agreements for capital expenditures primarily in our Potash segments related to our expansion projects.
A schedule of future minimum long-term purchase commitments, based on December 31, 2014 market prices, and minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases as of December 31, 2014 follows:
(in millions) | Purchase Commitments | Operating Leases | |||||
2015 | $ | 2,420.6 | $ | 58.0 | |||
2016 | 532.4 | 50.1 | |||||
2017 | 422.1 | 43.9 | |||||
2018 | 364.9 | 34.5 | |||||
2019 | 366.0 | 29.1 | |||||
Subsequent years | 4,189.4 | 90.6 | |||||
$ | 8,295.4 | $ | 306.2 |
Rental expense for calendar 2014, seven months ended December 31, 2013, fiscal 2013 and 2012 amounted to $108.9 million, $56.5 million, $88.8 million and $80.0 million, respectively. Purchases made under long-term commitments were $2.3 billion for calendar 2014, $1.2 billion for the seven months ended December 31, 2013 and $2.7 billion and $3.1 billion for fiscal 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Most of our export sales of potash crop nutrients are marketed through a North American export association, Canpotex, which may fund its operations in part through third-party financing facilities. As a member, Mosaic or our subsidiaries are contractually obligated to reimburse Canpotex for their pro rata share of any operating expenses or other liabilities incurred. The reimbursements are made through reductions to members’ cash receipts from Canpotex.
We incur liabilities for reclamation activities and Gypstack closures in our Florida and Louisiana operations where, in order to obtain necessary permits, we must either pass a test of financial strength or provide credit support, typically in the form of cash deposits, surety bonds or letters of credit. The surety bonds generally expire within one year or less but a substantial portion of these instruments provide financial assurance for continuing obligations and, therefore, in most cases, must be renewed on an annual basis. As of December 31, 2014, we had $179.9 million in surety bonds outstanding, of which $170.1 million is for reclamation obligations, primarily related to mining in Florida, and $9.8 million is for other matters.
20. CONTINGENCIES
We have described below judicial and administrative proceedings to which we are subject.
We have contingent environmental liabilities that arise principally from three sources: (i) facilities currently or formerly owned by our subsidiaries or their predecessors; (ii) facilities adjacent to currently or formerly owned facilities; and (iii) third-party
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Superfund or state equivalent sites. At facilities currently or formerly owned by our subsidiaries or their predecessors, the historical use and handling of regulated chemical substances, crop and animal nutrients and additives and by-product or process tailings have resulted in soil, surface water and/or groundwater contamination. Spills or other releases of regulated substances, subsidence from mining operations and other incidents arising out of operations, including accidents, have occurred previously at these facilities, and potentially could occur in the future, possibly requiring us to undertake or fund cleanup or result in monetary damage awards, fines, penalties, other liabilities, injunctions or other court or administrative rulings. In some instances, pursuant to consent orders or agreements with governmental agencies, we are undertaking certain remedial actions or investigations to determine whether remedial action may be required to address contamination. At other locations, we have entered into consent orders or agreements with appropriate governmental agencies to perform required remedial activities that will address identified site conditions. Taking into consideration established accruals of approximately $32.5 million and $31.3 million, as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, expenditures for these known conditions currently are not expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a material effect on our business or financial condition. However, material expenditures could be required in the future to remediate the contamination at known sites or at other current or former sites or as a result of other environmental, health and safety matters. Below is a discussion of the more significant environmental matters.
EPA RCRA Initiative. In 2003, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance announced that it would be targeting facilities in mineral processing industries, including phosphoric acid producers, for a thorough review under the U.S. Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (“RCRA”) and related state laws. Mining and processing of phosphates generate residual materials that must be managed both during the operation of a facility and upon a facility’s closure. Certain solid wastes generated by our phosphate operations may be subject to regulation under RCRA and related state laws. The EPA rules exempt “extraction” and “beneficiation” wastes, as well as 20 specified “mineral processing” wastes, from the hazardous waste management requirements of RCRA. Accordingly, certain of the residual materials which our phosphate operations generate, as well as process wastewater from phosphoric acid production, are exempt from RCRA regulation. However, the generation and management of other solid wastes from phosphate operations may be subject to hazardous waste regulation if the waste is deemed to exhibit a “hazardous waste characteristic.” As part of its initiative, we understand that EPA has inspected all or nearly all facilities in the U.S. phosphoric acid production sector to ensure compliance with applicable RCRA regulations and to address any “imminent and substantial endangerment” found by the EPA under RCRA. We have provided the EPA with substantial amounts of information regarding the process water recycling practices and the hazardous waste handling practices at our phosphate production facilities in Florida and Louisiana, and the EPA has inspected all of our currently operating processing facilities in the U.S. In addition to the EPA’s inspections, our phosphates concentrates facilities have entered into consent orders to perform analyses of existing environmental data, to perform further environmental sampling as may be necessary, and to assess whether the facilities pose a risk of harm to human health or the surrounding environment.
We have received Notices of Violation (“NOVs”) from the EPA related to the handling of hazardous waste at our Riverview (September 2005), New Wales (October 2005), Mulberry (June 2006), Green Bay (August 2006) and Bartow (September 2006) facilities in Florida. The EPA issued similar NOVs to our competitors, including with respect to the Plant City Facility acquired in the CF Phosphate Assets Acquisition as described in Note 23, and referred the NOVs to the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) for further enforcement. We currently are engaged in discussions with the DOJ and EPA with respect to our facilities (excluding the Plant City Facility). We believe we have substantial defenses to the allegations in the NOVs, including but not limited to previous EPA regulatory interpretations and inspection reports finding that the process water handling practices in question comply with the requirements of the exemption for extraction and beneficiation wastes. We intend to evaluate various alternatives and continue discussions to determine if a negotiated resolution can be reached. If it cannot, we intend to vigorously defend these matters in any enforcement actions that may be pursued.
We are negotiating the terms of a possible settlement with the EPA, the DOJ, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (collectively, the “Government”) and the final terms are not yet agreed upon or approved. If a settlement can be achieved, in all likelihood our commitments would be multi-faceted with key elements including, in general and among other elements, the following:
• | Incurring future capital expenditures likely to exceed $150 million in the aggregate over a period of several years. |
• | Providing meaningful additional financial assurance for the estimated costs of closure and post-closure care (“Gypstack Closure Costs”) of our phosphogypsum management systems ("Gypstacks"). For financial reporting purposes, we recognize our estimated ARO, including Gypstack Closure Costs, at their present value. This present value determined for financial reporting purposes is reflected on our Consolidated Balance Sheets in accrued liabilities and other noncurrent liabilities. As of December 31, 2014, the undiscounted amount of our Gypstack AROs, determined using the assumptions used for financial reporting purposes, was approximately $1.7 billion and the present value of our Gypstack Closure Costs reflected in our Consolidated Balance Sheet was approximately $543 million. Currently, financial assurance requirements in Florida and Louisiana for Gypstack Closure Costs can be satisfied through a variety of methods, including satisfaction of financial tests. In the context of a potential settlement |
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of the Government’s enforcement action, we expect that we would agree to pre-fund a material portion of our Gypstack Closure Costs, primarily by depositing cash, currently estimated to be in the amount of approximately $625 million, into one or more trust funds which would increase over time with reinvestment of earnings. Amounts held in any such trust funds (including reinvested earnings) would be classified as restricted cash included in other assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. We expect that any final settlement of this matter would resolve substantially all of our financial assurance obligations to the Government for Gypstack Closure Costs. Our actual Gypstack Closure Costs are generally expected to be paid by us in the normal course of our Phosphates business over a period that may not end until three decades or more after a Gypstack has been closed.
• | We have also established accruals to address the estimated cost of civil penalties in connection with this matter, which we do not believe, in light of the relevant regulatory history, would be material to our results of operations, liquidity or capital resources. |
In light of our strong operating cash flows, liquidity and capital resources, we believe that we have sufficient liquidity and capital resources to be able to fund such capital expenditures, financial assurance requirements and civil penalties as part of a settlement. If a settlement cannot be agreed upon, we cannot predict the outcome of any litigation or estimate the potential amount or range of loss; however, we would face potential exposure to material costs should we fail in the defense of an enforcement action.
See Note 23 for a discussion of how the EPA's RCRA Initiative and Florida financial assurance requirements affect the facilities we acquired in the CF Phosphate Assets Acquisition.
EPA EPCRA Initiative. In July 2008, the DOJ sent a letter to major U.S. phosphoric acid manufacturers, including us, stating that the EPA’s ongoing investigation indicates apparent violations of Section 313 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (“EPCRA”) at their phosphoric acid manufacturing facilities. Section 313 of EPCRA requires annual reports to be submitted with respect to the use or presence of certain toxic chemicals. DOJ and EPA also stated that they believe that a number of these facilities have violated Section 304 of EPCRA and Section 103 of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act ("CERCLA") by failing to provide required notifications relating to the release of hydrogen fluoride from the facilities. The letter did not identify any specific violations by us or assert a demand for penalties against us. We cannot predict at this time whether the EPA and DOJ will initiate an enforcement action over this matter, what its scope would be, or what the range of outcomes of such a potential enforcement action might be.
Florida Sulfuric Acid Plants. On April 8, 2010, the EPA Region 4 submitted an administrative subpoena to us under Section 114 of the Federal Clean Air Act (the “CAA”) regarding compliance of our Florida sulfuric acid plants with the “New Source Review” requirements of the CAA. The request received by Mosaic appears to be part of a broader EPA national enforcement initiative focusing on sulfuric acid plants. We cannot predict at this time whether the EPA and DOJ will initiate an enforcement action over this matter, what its scope would be, or what the range of outcomes of such a potential enforcement action might be.
Other Environmental Matters. Superfund and equivalent state statutes impose liability without regard to fault or to the legality of a party’s conduct on certain categories of persons who are considered to have contributed to the release of “hazardous substances” into the environment. Under Superfund, or its various state analogues, one party may, under certain circumstances, be required to bear more than its proportionate share of cleanup costs at a site where it has liability if payments cannot be obtained from other responsible parties. Currently, certain of our subsidiaries are involved or concluding involvement at several Superfund or equivalent state sites. Our remedial liability from these sites, alone or in the aggregate, currently is not expected to have a material effect on our business or financial condition. As more information is obtained regarding these sites and the potentially responsible parties involved, this expectation could change.
We believe that, pursuant to several indemnification agreements, our subsidiaries are entitled to at least partial, and in many instances complete, indemnification for the costs that may be expended by us or our subsidiaries to remedy environmental issues at certain facilities. These agreements address issues that resulted from activities occurring prior to our acquisition of facilities or businesses from parties including, but not limited to, ARCO (BP); Beatrice Fund for Environmental Liabilities; Conoco; Conserv; Estech, Inc.; Kaiser Aluminum & Chemical Corporation; Kerr-McGee Inc.; PPG Industries, Inc.; The Williams Companies; CF; and certain other private parties. Our subsidiaries have already received and anticipate receiving amounts pursuant to the indemnification agreements for certain of their expenses incurred to date as well as future anticipated expenditures. We record potential indemnifications as an offset to the established accruals when they are realizable or realized.
MicroEssentials® Patent Lawsuit
On January 9, 2009, John Sanders and Specialty Fertilizer Products, LLC filed a complaint against Mosaic, Mosaic Fertilizer, LLC, Cargill, Incorporated and Cargill Fertilizer, Inc. in the United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri (the “Missouri District Court”). The complaint alleges that our production of MicroEssentials® SZ, one of several types of the MicroEssentials® value-added ammoniated phosphate crop nutrient products that we produce, infringes on a patent then held by the plaintiffs. Plaintiffs have since asserted that other MicroEssentials® products also infringe the patent. Plaintiffs seek to enjoin
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the alleged infringement and to recover an unspecified amount of damages and attorneys’ fees for past infringement. Our answer to the complaint responds that the plaintiffs’ patent is not infringed, is invalid and is unenforceable because the plaintiffs engaged in inequitable conduct during the prosecution of the patent.
The Missouri District Court stayed the lawsuit pending an ex parte reexamination of plaintiffs’ patent claims by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (the “PTO”). That ex parte reexamination has now ended, with different patent claims being granted to the plaintiffs. On September 12, 2012, however, Shell Oil Company (“Shell”) filed an additional reexamination request which in part asserted that the claims as amended and added in connection with the ex parte reexamination are unpatentable. On October 4, 2012, the PTO issued an Ex Parte Reexamination Certificate in which certain claims of the plaintiffs’ patent were cancelled, disclaimed and amended, and new claims were added. Following the PTO’s grant of Shell’s request for an inter parties reexamination, on December 11, 2012, the PTO issued an initial rejection of all of plaintiffs’ remaining patent claims. On September 12, 2013, the PTO reversed its initial rejection of the plaintiffs’ remaining patent claims and allowed them to stand. Shell has appealed the PTO’s decision. A successful appeal by Shell could limit or eliminate the claims the plaintiffs can assert against us.
Through an order entered by the court on September 25, 2014, Cargill was dismissed as a defendant, and the two original plaintiffs were replaced by JLSMN LLC, an entity to whom the patents were transferred.
We believe that the plaintiffs’ allegations are without merit and intend to defend vigorously against them. At this stage of the proceedings, we cannot predict the outcome of this litigation, estimate the potential amount or range of loss or determine whether it will have a material effect on our results of operations, liquidity or capital resources.
Brazil Tax Contingencies
Our Brazilian subsidiary is engaged in a number of judicial and administrative proceedings relating to various non-income tax matters. We estimate that our maximum potential liability with respect to these matters is approximately $91 million. Approximately $50 million of the maximum potential liability relates to PIS and Cofins tax credit cases for the period from 2004 to 2009; while the majority of the remaining amount relates to various other non-income tax cases such as value-added taxes. Based on Brazil legislation and the current status of similar tax cases involving unrelated taxpayers, we believe we have recorded adequate accruals, which are immaterial, for the probable liability with respect to these Brazilian judicial and administrative proceedings.
Other Claims
We also have certain other contingent liabilities with respect to judicial, administrative and arbitration proceedings and claims of third parties, including tax matters, arising in the ordinary course of business. We do not believe that any of these contingent liabilities will have a material adverse impact on our business or financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
21. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
We enter into transactions and agreements with certain of our non-consolidated companies from time to time. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the net amount due from our non-consolidated companies totaled $35.7 million and $52.6 million, respectively.
The Consolidated Statements of Earnings included the following transactions with our non-consolidated companies:
Year Ended December 31, | Seven Months Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||
Years Ended May 31, | ||||||||||||||||
(in millions) | 2014 | 2013 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||||
Transactions with non-consolidated companies included in net sales | $ | 946.0 | $ | 448.8 | $ | 1,263.9 | $ | 1,321.2 | ||||||||
Transactions with non-consolidated companies included in cost of goods sold | 532.8 | 257.5 | 632.0 | 557.3 |
22. DISPOSAL AND EXIT ACTIVITIES
In 2013, we decided to exit our distribution businesses in Argentina and Chile and in connection with this decision, we wrote down the related assets by approximately $50 million, pre-tax, to their estimated fair value. This amount was included in loss on write down of assets in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings in our Transition Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC for the transition period from June 1, 2013 to December 31, 2013 (the "2013 10-K Report"). As a result of new information regarding the structure of the intended disposition of Argentina’s distribution business as an asset sale, during the twelve months ended December 31, 2014, we recorded a $53.6 million tax benefit. In the fourth quarter of 2014, we completed the
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sale of our Argentina assets and recorded a pre-tax gain of $8.5 million. Additionally, the decision was made in the second quarter of 2014 to close the Chile business and sell the remaining fixed assets. We recorded a pre-tax loss of $5.6 million related to the decision. The fixed assets related to Chile’s distribution businesses qualify for asset held for sale accounting. At December 31, 2014, we included $6.0 million in other current assets in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as assets held for sale. We expect to continue to sell our products in these countries by using other distribution channels. Completion of these exit activities is expected during the first half of 2015.
In 2013, we also decided to sell the salt operations of our Hersey, Michigan mine and close the related potash operations. In connection with the planned sale of this mine, we wrote down the related assets by approximately $48 million pre-tax, to their estimated fair value during the three months ended September 30, 2013, and recorded a corresponding tax benefit of approximately $17 million, which was reflected in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings in our 2013 10-K Report. The sale of the salt operations was completed on July 29, 2014 for $55.0 million, resulting in a pre-tax gain of $13.5 million in calendar 2014.
On July 21, 2014, we decided to permanently discontinue production of MOP at our Carlsbad, New Mexico facility. The final date for production was December 28, 2014. The decision was based on the quality of the ore in the Carlsbad basin and the age of the facility’s infrastructure. Our larger potash production facilities at Esterhazy, Belle Plaine and Colonsay in Saskatchewan, Canada will continue to produce MOP.
We plan to transition the Carlsbad facility to exclusive production of our highly valued K-Mag® product line. The pre-tax charges were $125.4 million, of which approximately $100 million related to accelerated depreciation and depletion in calendar 2014. We also recorded a tax benefit of approximately $52 million related to these costs in the year ended December 31, 2014.
During calendar 2014, we recorded severance charges and other personnel related costs of approximately $11 million in connection with the previously announced closing of our Hookers Prairie phosphate mine and certain cost saving initiatives. During calendar 2014, we paid approximately $9 million related to these costs, with the remaining amounts to be paid by March 31, 2015.
23. ACQUISITIONS
CF Acquisition
On March 17, 2014, we completed the CF Phosphate Assets Acquisition. The purchase price was $1,172.1 million plus an additional $203.7 million (all in cash) to fund CF’s asset retirement obligation trust and escrow. We acquired CF's phosphate mining and production operations in Central Florida and terminal and warehouse facilities in Tampa, Florida. This acquisition allows us to take advantage of synergies associated with combining our phosphate operations and logistical capabilities in Central Florida with those of CF. In addition, we will be able to forego the construction of a beneficiation plant at Ona and the construction of an ammonia plant. The results of the CF phosphates operations have been included in our condensed consolidated financial statements for the period from March 17, 2014 through December 31, 2014.
As part of the CF Phosphate Assets Acquisition, we assumed certain ARO related to Gypstack Closure Costs at both the Plant City, Florida phosphate concentrates facility (the "Plant City Facility") and a closed Florida phosphate concentrates facility in Bartow, Florida (the “Bonnie Facility”) that we acquired. Associated with these assets are two related financial assurance arrangements for which we became responsible and that place into trust the estimated Gypstack Closure Costs for these facilities, pursuant to federal or state law, which the government can draw against in the event we cannot perform such closure activities. One is a trust (the “Plant City Trust”) established to meet the requirements under a consent decree with the EPA and the FDEP with respect to RCRA compliance at Plant City (the “Plant City Consent Decree”) that also satisfies Florida financial assurance requirements at that site. The other is a trust fund (the “Bonnie Facility Trust”) established to meet the requirements under Florida financial assurance regulations (the “Florida Financial Assurance Requirement”) that apply to the Bonnie Facility. In the CF Phosphate Assets Acquisition, we deposited $189.2 million into the Plant City Trust as a substitute for funds that CF had deposited into trust. Based on our most recent closure cost estimates, an additional $7 million was added to the Plant City Trust in the fourth quarter of 2014 to attain full funding status. In addition, in July 2014, the FDEP approved our funding of $14.5 million into the Bonnie Facility Trust, which substituted funds that CF had deposited into an escrow account. We expect we will be required to deposit up to an additional $4 million in the Bonnie Facility Trust near the end of 2015. Both financial assurance funding obligations require estimates of future expenditures that could be impacted by refinements in scope, technological developments, cost inflation, changes in regulations, discount rates and the timing of activities. Additional funding would be required in the future if increases in cost estimates exceed investment earnings in the Plant City Trust or the Bonnie Facility Trust. The deposits into the Plant City Trust and the Bonnie Facility Trust are reflected in the Statement of Cash Flows components of the $1,375.8 million cash used in the CF Phosphate Assets Acquisition.
At December 31, 2014, the aggregate amount of AROs associated with the Plant City Facility and the Bonnie Facility included in our consolidated balance sheet was $103.5 million. The aggregate amount held in the Plant City Trust and the Bonnie Facility
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Trust exceeds the aggregate amount of AROs associated with the Plant City Facility and the Bonnie Facility because the amount required to be held in the Plant City Trust represents the aggregate undiscounted estimated amount to be paid by us in the normal course of our Phosphates business over a period that may not end until three decades or more after the Gypstack has been closed, while the ARO included in our Consolidated Balance Sheet reflect the discounted present value of those estimated amounts. As part of the acquisition we also acquired ARO related to land reclamation.
The following table summarizes the amounts of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as recognized with the acquisition.
(in millions) | |||
Inventory | $ | 144.1 | |
Other current assets | 0.5 | ||
Mineral properties and rights | 499.7 | ||
Property, plant and equipment | 627.1 | ||
Funds in trust for asset retirement obligations (1) | 203.7 | ||
Other assets | 56.8 | ||
Current liabilities | (1.5 | ) | |
Other liabilities | (9.0 | ) | |
Asset retirement obligation | (145.6 | ) | |
Total purchase price paid | $ | 1,375.8 |
(1) Included with other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2014
We also signed two strategic supply agreements with CF under which CF will provide Mosaic with ammonia for its production purposes (“CF Ammonia Supply Agreements”). Under one agreement, which is expected to commence prior to January 1, 2017, Mosaic will purchase approximately 545,000 to 725,000 tonnes annually for up to fifteen years at a price tied to the prevailing price of U.S. natural gas. The execution of this agreement was not contingent upon the completion of the acquisition; therefore, no corresponding asset or liability was recorded as part of the acquisition accounting.
Under the second agreement, which became effective on the acquisition date, Mosaic will purchase approximately 270,000 tonnes annually for three years from CF’s Trinidad operations at CFR Tampa market-based pricing. The effectiveness of this agreement was a condition to the acquisition and included in the acquisition accounting, but its impacts were not material.
We recognized approximately $8.7 million of acquisition and integration costs that were expensed during 2014. These costs are included within selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
The CF phosphates operations contributed revenues of $574.2 million and net earnings of $37.6 million from March 17, 2014 through December 31, 2014, excluding the effects of the acquisition and integration costs described above.
Brazil and Paraguay Distribution Business Acquisition
On December 17, 2014, we completed the acquisition of ADM's fertilizer distribution business and working capital in Brazil and Paraguay for approximately $350 million, including a target working capital amount of $150 million, which was funded with cash from operations. This acquisition is expected to significantly accelerate our previously announced growth plans in Brazil as well as replace a substantial amount of planned internal investments in that country. Under the terms of the agreements, we acquired four blending and warehousing facilities in Brazil, one in Paraguay and additional warehousing and logistics service capabilities. We expect this acquisition to increase our annual distribution in the region from approximately four million metric tonnes to about six million metric tonnes of crop nutrients.
The parties have also entered into five-year fertilizer supply agreements providing for Mosaic to supply ADM’s fertilizer needs in Brazil and Paraguay.
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The following table summarizes the amounts of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as recognized at the acquisition date. The fair value of these assets and liabilities is provisional pending determination of the final valuation:
(in millions) | |||
Inventory | $ | 122.5 | |
Other current assets | 10.3 | ||
Property, plant and equipment | 95.1 | ||
Goodwill | 105.9 | ||
Other assets | 18.6 | ||
Accounts payable | (19.2 | ) | |
Other current liabilities | (24.2 | ) | |
Estimated value of acquisition | $ | 309.0 | |
Estimated post closing working capital adjustment | $ | 40.6 | |
Initial payment for acquisition | $ | 349.6 |
We recognized approximately $2.9 million of acquisition and integration costs that were expensed during 2014. These costs are included within selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
The contribution from this additional distribution business in Brazil and Paraguay to our revenues and net earnings was immaterial for the period December 17, 2014 through December 31, 2014.
Pro-forma Results
The unaudited pro-forma consolidated results presented below include the effects of the acquisitions described above as if they had been consummated as of January 1, 2013. The pro-forma results below include adjustments related to depreciation and amortization to reflect the fair value of acquired property, plant and equipment and identifiable intangible assets, depletion of acquired mineral rights, and the associated income tax impacts. The pro-forma information does not necessarily reflect the actual results of operations had the acquisitions been consummated at the beginning of the fiscal reporting period indicated nor is it indicative of future operating results. The pro-forma information does not include any adjustment for potential revenue enhancements, cost synergies or other operating efficiencies that could result from the acquisition or transaction or integration costs relating to the acquisitions.
(in millions) | Years Ended December 31, | |||||||
2014 | 2013 | |||||||
Net sales | $ | 9,947.7 | $ | 10,820.9 | ||||
Net earnings attributable to Mosaic | $ | 1,014.6 | $ | 1,079.8 |
24. BUSINESS SEGMENTS
The reportable segments are determined by management based upon factors such as products and services, production processes, technologies, market dynamics, and for which segment financial information is available for our chief operating decision maker.
For a description of our business segments see Note 1 of our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. We evaluate performance based on the operating earnings of the respective business segments, which includes certain allocations of corporate selling, general and administrative expenses. The segment results may not represent the actual results that would be expected if they were independent, stand-alone businesses. Corporate, Eliminations and Other primarily represents unallocated corporate office activities and eliminations. All intersegment transactions are eliminated within Corporate, Eliminations and other.
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Segment information for calendar 2014, the seven months ended December 31, 2013, and fiscal 2013 and 2012 is as follows:
(in millions) | Phosphates | Potash | Corporate, Eliminations and Other | Total | ||||||||||||
Year Ended December 31, 2014 | ||||||||||||||||
Net sales to external customers | $ | 6,194.0 | $ | 2,839.9 | $ | 21.9 | $ | 9,055.8 | ||||||||
Intersegment net sales | — | 11.7 | (11.7 | ) | — | |||||||||||
Net sales | 6,194.0 | 2,851.6 | 10.2 | 9,055.8 | ||||||||||||
Gross margin | 1,071.2 | 897.7 | (42.3 | ) | 1,926.6 | |||||||||||
Carlsbad restructuring expense | — | 125.4 | — | 125.4 | ||||||||||||
Operating earnings (loss) | 766.7 | 630.6 | (85.5 | ) | 1,311.8 | |||||||||||
Capital expenditures | 439.0 | 470.7 | 19.4 | 929.1 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense | 368.9 | 355.1 | 26.9 | 750.9 | ||||||||||||
Equity in net earnings (loss) of nonconsolidated companies | (4.6 | ) | — | 2.4 | (2.2 | ) | ||||||||||
Seven Months Ended December 31, 2013 | ||||||||||||||||
Net sales to external customers | $ | 3,438.2 | $ | 1,323.9 | $ | 3.8 | $ | 4,765.9 | ||||||||
Intersegment net sales | — | 63.3 | (63.3 | ) | — | |||||||||||
Net sales | 3,438.2 | 1,387.2 | (59.5 | ) | 4,765.9 | |||||||||||
Gross margin | 445.0 | 374.3 | 9.0 | 828.3 | ||||||||||||
Operating earnings (loss) | 199.7 | 224.6 | (7.4 | ) | 416.9 | |||||||||||
Capital expenditures | 298.7 | 471.0 | 30.3 | 800.0 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense | 177.2 | 197.2 | 11.8 | 386.2 | ||||||||||||
Equity in net earnings of nonconsolidated companies | 10.1 | — | 0.8 | 10.9 | ||||||||||||
Year Ended May 31, 2013 | ||||||||||||||||
Net sales to external customers | $ | 6,494.6 | $ | 3,469.1 | $ | 10.4 | $ | 9,974.1 | ||||||||
Intersegment net sales | — | 60.2 | (60.2 | ) | — | |||||||||||
Net sales | 6,494.6 | 3,529.3 | (49.8 | ) | 9,974.1 | |||||||||||
Gross margin | 1,162.2 | 1,611.3 | (13.3 | ) | 2,760.2 | |||||||||||
Operating earnings (loss) | 848.1 | 1,393.0 | (31.5 | ) | 2,209.6 | |||||||||||
Capital expenditures | 427.5 | 1,017.7 | 143.1 | 1,588.3 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense | 287.3 | 301.9 | 15.6 | 604.8 | ||||||||||||
Equity in net earnings of nonconsolidated companies | 16.4 | — | 1.9 | 18.3 | ||||||||||||
Year Ended May 31, 2012 | ||||||||||||||||
Net sales to external customers | $ | 7,839.2 | $ | 3,263.1 | $ | 5.5 | $ | 11,107.8 | ||||||||
Intersegment net sales | — | 38.2 | (38.2 | ) | — | |||||||||||
Net sales | 7,839.2 | 3,301.3 | (32.7 | ) | 11,107.8 | |||||||||||
Gross margin | 1,466.9 | 1,622.0 | (3.9 | ) | 3,085.0 | |||||||||||
Operating earnings (loss) | 1,179.1 | 1,457.3 | (25.3 | ) | 2,611.1 | |||||||||||
Capital expenditures | 407.9 | 1,171.4 | 60.0 | 1,639.3 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense | 263.9 | 233.1 | 11.1 | 508.1 | ||||||||||||
Equity in net earnings of nonconsolidated companies | 11.9 | — | 1.4 | 13.3 | ||||||||||||
Total assets as of December 31, 2014 | $ | 11,392.2 | $ | 8,296.6 | $ | (1,405.8 | ) | $ | 18,283.0 | |||||||
Total assets as of December 31, 2013 | 9,945.1 | 9,597.4 | 11.5 | 19,554.0 |
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Financial information relating to our operations by geographic area is as follows:
Year Ended December 31, | Seven Months Ended December 31, | Years Ended May 31, | |||||||||||||
(in millions) | 2014 | 2013 | 2013 | 2012 | |||||||||||
Net sales(a): | |||||||||||||||
Brazil | $ | 1,921.4 | $ | 1,249.8 | $ | 2,069.3 | $ | 2,161.6 | |||||||
Canpotex(b) | 923.6 | 439.7 | 1,239.8 | 1,298.9 | |||||||||||
Canada | 663.1 | 259.7 | 686.3 | 786.3 | |||||||||||
India | 331.9 | 315.8 | 475.2 | 1,579.7 | |||||||||||
Australia | 194.7 | 31.2 | 177.5 | 290.1 | |||||||||||
China | 191.1 | 86.9 | 173.3 | 160.4 | |||||||||||
Argentina | 167.3 | 163.1 | 258.3 | 266.7 | |||||||||||
Colombia | 145.0 | 55.2 | 143.5 | 155.9 | |||||||||||
Japan | 131.5 | 75.9 | 188.2 | 177.5 | |||||||||||
Mexico | 131.3 | 22.4 | 128.9 | 90.5 | |||||||||||
Peru | 101.8 | 35.6 | 56.9 | 95.1 | |||||||||||
Chile | 44.6 | 76.9 | 116.5 | 121.1 | |||||||||||
Thailand | 40.8 | 28.7 | 88.9 | 94.0 | |||||||||||
Other | 223.7 | 72.4 | 271.7 | 209.3 | |||||||||||
Total international countries | 5,211.8 | 2,913.3 | 6,074.3 | 7,487.1 | |||||||||||
United States | 3,844.0 | 1,852.6 | 3,899.8 | 3,620.7 | |||||||||||
Consolidated | $ | 9,055.8 | $ | 4,765.9 | $ | 9,974.1 | $ | 11,107.8 |
______________________________
(a) | Revenues are attributed to countries based on location of customer. |
(b) | The export association of the Saskatchewan potash producers. |
December 31, | ||||||||
(in millions) | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||
Long-lived assets: | ||||||||
Canada | $ | 4,993.0 | $ | 5,372.3 | ||||
Brazil | 257.6 | 122.2 | ||||||
Other | 22.5 | 51.0 | ||||||
Total international countries | 5,273.1 | 5,545.5 | ||||||
United States | 5,444.8 | 3,956.1 | ||||||
Consolidated | $ | 10,717.9 | $ | 9,501.6 |
Excluded from the table above as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, are goodwill of $1,806.5 million and 1,794.4 million and deferred income taxes of $394.4 million and 152.2 million, respectively.
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Net sales by product type for calendar 2014, seven months ended December 31, 2013, and fiscal 2013 and 2012 are as follows:
Year Ended December 31, | Seven Months Ended December 31, | Years Ended May 31, | |||||||||||||
(in millions) | 2014 | 2013 | 2013 | 2012 | |||||||||||
Sales by product type: | |||||||||||||||
Phosphate Crop Nutrients | $ | 4,096.2 | $ | 2,059.3 | $ | 4,106.1 | $ | 5,418.4 | |||||||
Potash Crop Nutrients | 2,828.8 | 1,312.3 | 3,434.5 | 3,174.4 | |||||||||||
Crop Nutrient Blends | 1,292.9 | 863.7 | 1,472.3 | 1,517.1 | |||||||||||
Other(a) | 837.9 | 530.6 | 961.2 | 997.9 | |||||||||||
$ | 9,055.8 | $ | 4,765.9 | $ | 9,974.1 | $ | 11,107.8 |
______________________________
(a) | Includes sales for animal feed ingredients and industrial potash. |
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Quarterly Results (Unaudited)
In millions, except per share amounts and common stock prices
Quarter | |||||||||||||||||||
First | Second(a) | Third | Fourth | Year | |||||||||||||||
Year Ended December 31, 2014 | |||||||||||||||||||
Net sales | 1,986.2 | $ | 2,440.2 | $ | 2,250.7 | $ | 2,378.7 | $ | 9,055.8 | ||||||||||
Gross margin | 411.6 | 521.1 | 414.7 | 579.2 | 1,926.6 | ||||||||||||||
Operating earnings | 266.6 | 403.2 | 277.3 | 364.7 | 1,311.8 | ||||||||||||||
Net earnings attributable to Mosaic | 217.5 | 248.4 | 201.9 | 360.8 | 1,028.6 | ||||||||||||||
Basic net earnings per share attributable to Mosaic | 0.54 | $ | 0.65 | $ | 0.54 | $ | 0.97 | $ | 2.69 | ||||||||||
Diluted net earnings per share attributable to Mosaic | 0.54 | 0.64 | 0.54 | 0.97 | 2.68 | ||||||||||||||
Common stock prices: | |||||||||||||||||||
High | 50.63 | $ | 51.25 | $ | 49.56 | $ | 48.73 | ||||||||||||
Low | 43.58 | 47.09 | 44.09 | 40.32 | |||||||||||||||
Seven Months Ended December 31, 2013 | |||||||||||||||||||
Net sales | $ | 675.7 | $ | 1,908.7 | $ | 2,181.5 | $ | 4,765.9 | |||||||||||
Gross margin | 119.9 | 386.9 | 321.5 | 828.3 | |||||||||||||||
Operating earnings | 93.8 | 144.1 | 179.0 | 416.9 | |||||||||||||||
Net earnings attributable to Mosaic | 86.7 | 124.4 | 128.9 | 340.0 | |||||||||||||||
Basic net earnings per share attributable to Mosaic | $ | 0.21 | $ | 0.29 | $ | 0.30 | $ | 0.80 | |||||||||||
Diluted net earnings per share attributable to Mosaic | 0.21 | 0.29 | 0.30 | 0.80 | |||||||||||||||
Common stock prices: | |||||||||||||||||||
High | $ | 62.09 | $ | 56.97 | $ | 49.81 | |||||||||||||
Low | 53.30 | 39.75 | 42.76 | ||||||||||||||||
Year Ended May 31, 2013 | |||||||||||||||||||
Net sales | $ | 2,505.1 | $ | 2,536.2 | $ | 2,240.6 | $ | 2,692.2 | $ | 9,974.1 | |||||||||
Gross margin | 747.3 | 675.9 | 568.4 | 768.6 | 2,760.2 | ||||||||||||||
Operating earnings | 610.2 | 559.6 | 419.1 | 620.7 | 2,209.6 | ||||||||||||||
Net earnings attributable to Mosaic | 429.4 | 628.8 | 344.6 | 485.9 | 1,888.7 | ||||||||||||||
Basic net earnings per share attributable to Mosaic | $ | 1.01 | $ | 1.48 | $ | 0.81 | $ | 1.14 | $ | 4.44 | |||||||||
Diluted net earnings per share attributable to Mosaic | 1.01 | 1.47 | 0.81 | 1.14 | 4.42 | ||||||||||||||
Common stock prices: | |||||||||||||||||||
High | $ | 59.95 | $ | 61.98 | $ | 63.46 | $ | 64.65 | |||||||||||
Low | 44.43 | 48.29 | 52.65 | 56.90 |
(a) | Due to our change in fiscal year-end, the second quarter of the Stub Period contains results for only the month of June. |
The number of holders of record of our Common Stock and Class A Common Stock as of February 11, 2015 was 2,096.
Dividends have been declared on a quarterly basis during all periods presented. In fiscal 2013, we increased our annual dividend to $1.00 per share.
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The following table presents our selected financial data. This information has been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements. This historical data should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the related notes and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”
Five Year Comparison
In millions, except per share amounts
Year Ended December 31, | Seven Months Ended December 31, | Years Ended May 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | ||||||||||||||||||
Statements of Operations Data: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Net sales | $ | 9,055.8 | $ | 4,765.9 | $ | 9,974.1 | $ | 11,107.8 | $ | 9,937.8 | $ | 6,759.1 | |||||||||||
Cost of goods sold | 7,129.2 | 3,937.6 | 7,213.9 | 8,022.8 | 6,816.0 | 5,065.8 | |||||||||||||||||
Gross margin | 1,926.6 | 828.3 | 2,760.2 | 3,085.0 | 3,121.8 | 1,693.3 | |||||||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses | 382.4 | 211.8 | 427.3 | 410.1 | 372.5 | 360.3 | |||||||||||||||||
(Gain) loss on assets sold and to be sold(b) | (16.4 | ) | 122.8 | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
Carlsbad restructuring expense(a) | 125.4 | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||
Other operating expenses | 123.4 | 76.8 | 123.3 | 63.8 | 85.1 | 62.2 | |||||||||||||||||
Operating earnings | 1,311.8 | 416.9 | 2,209.6 | 2,611.1 | 2,664.2 | 1,270.8 | |||||||||||||||||
(Loss) gain in value of share repurchase agreement | (60.2 | ) | 73.2 | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
Interest (expense) income, net | (107.6 | ) | (13.3 | ) | 18.8 | 18.7 | (5.1 | ) | (49.6 | ) | |||||||||||||
Foreign currency transaction gain (loss) | 79.1 | 16.5 | (15.9 | ) | 16.9 | (56.3 | ) | (32.4 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Gain on sale of equity investment(d) | — | — | — | — | 685.6 | — | |||||||||||||||||
Other (expense) income | (5.8 | ) | (9.1 | ) | 2.0 | (17.8 | ) | (17.1 | ) | 0.9 | |||||||||||||
Earnings from consolidated companies before income taxes | 1,217.3 | 484.2 | 2,214.5 | 2,628.9 | 3,271.3 | 1,189.7 | |||||||||||||||||
Provision for income taxes(a)(c) | 184.7 | 152.6 | 341.0 | 711.4 | 752.8 | 347.3 | |||||||||||||||||
Earnings from consolidated companies | 1,032.6 | 331.6 | 1,873.5 | 1,917.5 | 2,518.5 | 842.4 | |||||||||||||||||
Equity in net earnings (loss) of nonconsolidated companies | (2.2 | ) | 10.9 | 18.3 | 13.3 | (5.0 | ) | (10.9 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Net earnings including noncontrolling interests | 1,030.4 | 342.5 | 1,891.8 | 1,930.8 | 2,513.5 | 831.5 | |||||||||||||||||
Less: Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests | 1.8 | 2.5 | 3.1 | 0.6 | (1.1 | ) | 4.4 | ||||||||||||||||
Net earnings attributable to Mosaic | $ | 1,028.6 | $ | 340.0 | $ | 1,888.7 | $ | 1,930.2 | $ | 2,514.6 | $ | 827.1 |
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Year Ended December 31, | Seven Months Ended December 31, | Years Ended May 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | ||||||||||||||||||
Earnings per common share attributable to Mosaic: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Basic net earnings per share attributable to Mosaic | $ | 2.69 | $ | 0.80 | $ | 4.44 | $ | 4.44 | $ | 5.64 | $ | 1.86 | |||||||||||
Diluted net earnings per share attributable to Mosaic | $ | 2.68 | $ | 0.80 | $ | 4.42 | $ | 4.42 | $ | 5.62 | $ | 1.85 | |||||||||||
Average shares outstanding: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Basic weighted average number of shares outstanding | 374.1 | 420.8 | 425.7 | 435.2 | 446.0 | 445.1 | |||||||||||||||||
Diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding | 375.6 | 422.0 | 426.9 | 436.5 | 447.5 | 446.6 | |||||||||||||||||
Balance Sheet Data (at period end): | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 2,374.6 | $ | 5,293.1 | $ | 3,697.1 | $ | 3,811.0 | $ | 3,906.4 | $ | 2,523.0 | |||||||||||
Total assets | 18,283.0 | 19,554.0 | 18,086.0 | 16,690.4 | 15,786.9 | 12,707.7 | |||||||||||||||||
Total long-term debt (including current maturities) | 3,819.0 | 3,009.3 | 1,010.5 | 1,010.5 | 809.3 | 1,260.8 | |||||||||||||||||
Total liabilities | 7,562.4 | 8,233.4 | 4,643.1 | 4,691.0 | 4,125.0 | 3,959.3 | |||||||||||||||||
Total equity | 10,720.6 | 11,320.6 | 13,442.9 | 11,999.4 | 11,661.9 | 8,748.4 | |||||||||||||||||
Other Financial Data: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation, depletion and amortization | $ | 750.9 | $ | 386.2 | $ | 604.8 | $ | 508.1 | $ | 447.4 | $ | 445.0 | |||||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | 2,293.7 | 889.4 | 1,887.5 | 2,705.8 | 2,426.7 | 1,356.0 | |||||||||||||||||
Capital expenditures | 929.1 | 800.0 | 1,588.3 | 1,639.3 | 1,263.2 | 910.6 | |||||||||||||||||
Dividends per share(e) | 1.00 | 0.50 | 1.00 | 0.275 | 0.20 | 1.50 |
______________________________
(a) | In 2014, we decided to permanently discontinue production of MOP at our Carlsbad, New Mexico facility. The pre-tax charges were $125.4 million. See further discussion in Note 22 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The year ended December 31, 2014 also includes a discrete income tax benefit of approximately $152 million primarily related to the acquisition of ADM and the sale of our distribution business in Argentina. See further discussion in Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. |
(b) | In the seven months ended December 31, 2013, we decided to exit our distribution businesses in Argentina and Chile and wrote-down the related assets by approximately $50 million. We decided to sell the salt operations at our Hersey, Michigan mine and close the related potash operations which resulted in a write-down of approximately $48 million. We also wrote-off engineering costs of approximately $25 million related to a proposed ammonia plant. See further discussion in Notes 22 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. |
(c) | Fiscal 2013 includes a discrete income tax benefit of $179.3 million associated with our non-U.S. subsidiaries due to the resolution of certain tax matters. |
(d) | In fiscal 2011, we recorded a $685.6 million pre-tax gain on the sale of our equity method investment in Fosfertil. We recorded a $673.4 million pre-tax gain on the sale of our equity method investment in Saskferco in fiscal 2009. |
(e) | Dividends have been declared quarterly during all periods presented. In fiscal 2013 we increased our annual dividend to $1.00 per share. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012, we paid a quarterly dividend of $0.125, which represented a 150 percent increase over the Company’s previous dividend rate. In fiscal 2010, we paid a special dividend of $1.30 per share in addition to quarterly dividends of $0.05 per share. |
F-82
SCHEDULE II. VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
For the year ended December 31, 2014, the seven months ended December 31, 2013 and the years ended May 31, 2013 and 2012
In millions
Column A | Column B | Column C | Column D | Column E | |||||||||||||||
Additions | |||||||||||||||||||
Description | Balance Beginning of Period | Charges or (Reductions) to Costs and Expenses | Charges or (Reductions) to Other Accounts(a)(b) | Deductions | Balance at End of Period(c) | ||||||||||||||
Allowance for doubtful accounts, deducted from accounts receivable in the balance sheet: | |||||||||||||||||||
Year ended May 31, 2012 | $ | 23.6 | $ | — | $ | (5.1 | ) | $ | (0.1 | ) | $ | 18.4 | |||||||
Year ended May 31, 2013 | 18.4 | (1.0 | ) | (1.3 | ) | (0.1 | ) | 16.0 | |||||||||||
Seven months ended December 31, 2013 | 16.0 | (0.9 | ) | (3.0 | ) | (1.7 | ) | 10.4 | |||||||||||
Year ended December 31, 2014 | 10.4 | 1.7 | 1.8 | (1.8 | ) | 12.1 | |||||||||||||
Income tax valuation allowance, related to deferred income taxes | |||||||||||||||||||
Year ended May 31, 2012 | $ | 209.2 | $ | 6.2 | $ | (35.2 | ) | $ | — | $ | 180.2 | ||||||||
Year ended May 31, 2013 | 180.2 | (77.7 | ) | (8.9 | ) | — | 93.6 | ||||||||||||
Seven months ended December 31, 2013 | 93.6 | 48.1 | (12.5 | ) | — | 129.2 | |||||||||||||
Year ended December 31, 2014 | 129.2 | (73.1 | ) | (27.8 | ) | — | 28.3 |
______________________________
(a) | The income tax valuation allowance adjustment was recorded to accumulated other comprehensive income and deferred taxes. |
(b) | For the year ended December 31, 2014, $29.6 million of the income tax valuation allowance reductions related to the disposition of Argentina. |
(c) | Allowance for doubtful accounts balance includes $9.5 million, $8.5 million, $11.3 million and $13.5 million of allowance on long-term receivables recorded in other long term assets for the year ended December 31, 2014, the seven months ended December 31, 2013 and the fiscal years ended May 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. |
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Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Company’s internal control system is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance to our management, Board of Directors and stockholders regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation and fair presentation of our consolidated financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP), and includes those policies and procedures that:
• | Pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets; |
• | Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP, and that receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations from our management and Board of Directors; and |
• | Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. |
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014. In assessing the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014 management used the control criteria framework of the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (COSO) of the Treadway Commission published in its report entitled Internal Control—Integrated Framework (1992). Based on its evaluation, management concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2014. In May of 2013, COSO adopted an updated framework, which we intend to adopt in 2015. KPMG LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited the financial statements included in this annual report, has issued an auditors’ report on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014.
For the year ended December 31, 2014, management’s assessment of our internal control over financial reporting excluded the internal control over financial reporting of the Florida phosphate assets of CF Industries, Inc. that we acquired on March 17, 2014, and the assets of Archer Daniels Midland's fertilizer distribution business in Brazil and Paraguay that we acquired on December 17, 2014. These assets represented 9% of our consolidated total assets as of December 31, 2014, and the related operations contributed revenues of 6% for the year ended December 31, 2014.
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