The Mosaic Company Reports Fiscal Year 2010 Third Quarter Results

PLYMOUTH, Minn., March 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Mosaic Company (NYSE: MOS) announced today net earnings of $222.6 million, or $0.50 per diluted share, for the third quarter ended February 28, 2010.  These results compare with net earnings of $58.8 million, or $0.13 per share, for the third quarter ended February 28, 2009.  The Company maintained a strong financial position, with cash and cash equivalents of $2.3 billion as of February 28, 2010.

KEY ITEMS

• Total phosphate sales volumes were 2.5 million tonnes, up 52 percent compared to last year, and the average diammonium phosphate (DAP) selling price was $336 per tonne
• Potash sales volumes rebounded from a year ago to 1.9 million tonnes and the average muriate of potash (MOP) selling price was $356 per tonne
• Net unrealized mark-to-market derivative gains impacted gross margin by $24.5 million, or $0.03 per share, compared to net unrealized derivative losses of $30.5 million, or $0.04 per share a year ago
• Foreign currency transaction losses were $22.3 million, or $0.03 per share, compared to a gain of $47.1 million, or $0.07 per share a year ago
• Income tax expense was higher due to a $15.9 million, or $0.04 per share, discrete item associated with the Company's upcoming sale of certain Brazilian assets
• Cash flow from operating activities was $476.7 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2010 compared to a use of cash of $11.2 million last year
• A special dividend of $578.5 million, or $1.30 per share, was paid in December 2009

Mosaic had net sales in the third quarter of fiscal 2010 of $1.7 billion, an increase from $1.4 billion, or 26 percent, compared to the same period a year ago.

Mosaic's gross margin for the third quarter of fiscal 2010 was $476.5 million, or 28 percent of net sales, compared with $140.3 million, or 10 percent of net sales, a year ago.  Third quarter operating earnings were $388.9 million compared with $43.7 million a year ago.  The increases in gross margin and operating earnings were primarily driven by improved demand for both phosphate and potash and lower phosphate raw material costs, partially offset by lower selling prices.  

"Early indications point toward a strong North American planting season," said Jim Prokopanko, Mosaic's President and Chief Executive Officer.  "We are executing successfully on our strategy and are well positioned to serve our customers around the world in coming months.  We are driving to finish our fiscal year on a strong note."

Since the end of the quarter, Mosaic has taken several noteworthy actions to advance its strategic priorities.  Today, Mosaic announced that it agreed to invest in the Bayovar phosphate rock mine in Peru and enter into a long-term phosphate rock offtake agreement.  These agreements are expected to bolster the Company's position as the world's leading integrated phosphate producer.  Last week, as separately announced, PhosChem completed a significant multi-year DAP supply agreement with customers in India which will provide Mosaic a substantial baseload of sales volumes over the next three years.  In addition, Mosaic continues to advance its potash capacity expansions in Saskatchewan, Canada.

Phosphates

Net sales in the Phosphates segment were $1.0 billion for the third quarter, an increase of 17 percent from $871.3 million a year ago.  Phosphates' third quarter gross margin was $114.0 million, or 11 percent of net sales, compared with a loss of $70.1 million for the same period a year ago.  Operating earnings were $52.9 million, an increase from a loss of $152.2 million in the same period last year.  The increase in operating earnings in the third quarter of fiscal 2010 compared with a year ago was primarily due to higher sales volumes, the favorable effects of lower raw material costs and higher production levels, partially offset by lower selling prices.  Gross margin and operating earnings in last year's third quarter included a $28.3 million inventory valuation write-down.

The average third quarter DAP selling price, FOB plant, was $336 per tonne, compared to $499 a year ago and $287 per tonne in the second quarter of fiscal 2010.

Phosphates segment sales volumes were 2.5 million tonnes, an increase of 52 percent compared with a year ago.  This improvement was primarily due to stronger demand both in North America and internationally compared to weak volumes a year ago.

Mosaic's North American phosphate production level was 1.7 million tonnes during the third quarter, almost double year ago levels of 0.9 million tonnes, yet down slightly from second quarter due to planned turnarounds.

"Phosphates sales volumes continued their strong recovery from the weak levels of the same period last year.  Compared to the prior quarter, and as we expected, the gross margin percentage improved modestly in spite of rising raw material costs and lower production rates," stated Prokopanko.  "We look for continued gross margin improvement into our fourth fiscal quarter, though margin expansion will be constrained by the normal lag between our average realized prices and prevailing market prices as well as higher raw material costs."

Potash

Net sales in the Potash segment totaled $730.0 million for the fiscal 2010 third quarter, an increase of 52 percent from $480.8 million a year ago.  The Potash segment's gross margin increased to $352.0 million in the third quarter, or 48 percent of net sales, compared with $206.6 million, or 43 percent of net sales a year ago.  Operating earnings were $326.0 million in the third quarter, compared to $186.0 million a year ago.  Operating earnings in the quarter improved due to significantly improved sales volumes, partially offset by a decline in selling prices.

The average third quarter MOP selling price, FOB plant, was $356 per tonne compared to $565 a year ago.  

The Potash segment's total sales volume was 1.9 million tonnes for the third quarter, up sharply from 0.8 million tonnes a year ago and 1.0 million tonnes in the second quarter.  

Potash production was comparable at 1.3 million tonnes in both the current and the year ago quarter while up slightly from 1.1 million tonnes in the second quarter.  Production rates were increased late in the quarter due to improved demand for potash.  

"The potash business has taken a leap forward on all fronts, and sales volumes and operating profits were up strongly during the quarter," said Prokopanko.  "Recent demand trends are encouraging in most of our key geographies.  We have increased operating rates and inventory levels have steadily declined."

Other

A foreign currency transaction loss of $22.3 million was recorded for the third quarter compared to a gain of $47.1 million for the same period a year ago.  This loss is the result of the effect of a weakening U.S. dollar relative to the Canadian dollar on significant U.S. dollar denominated intercompany receivables and cash held by the Company's Canadian affiliates.  Net unrealized mark-to-market derivative gains impacted gross margin by $24.5 million compared to net unrealized derivative losses of $30.5 million a year ago.

Income tax expense was $125.3 million in the third quarter resulting in an effective tax rate of 35 percent, compared to $30.7 million, or an effective tax rate of 37 percent, for the same period last year. The tax rate increase compared to the first half of this fiscal year included a discrete item associated with the Company's upcoming sale of certain Brazilian assets, which was announced during the quarter.

Total equity earnings in non-consolidated subsidiaries in the third quarter was a loss of $8.5 million, compared with earnings of $6.0 million for the same period a year ago.  This is primarily the result of weak results from Fosfertil S.A. due to a decline in phosphate selling prices, higher raw material costs to produce phosphates and an unfavorable foreign exchange impact.

Cash flow provided by operating activities in the third quarter of fiscal 2010 was $476.7 million.  Mosaic's total debt and cash and cash equivalents as of February 28, 2010 were $1.4 billion and $2.3 billion respectively.

Year-to-Date

For the nine months ended February 28, 2010, net sales were $4.9 billion, a decrease of 44 percent from $8.7 billion reported a year ago.  Year-to-date operating earnings were $723.2 million compared to $2.3 billion for the same period a year ago.  Operating earnings in fiscal 2010 results include a $51.2 million pre-tax charge related to the write-off of certain assets while operating earnings in fiscal 2009 results included a $321.8 million inventory valuation write-down.  A foreign currency transaction loss of $31.8 million was recorded for the first nine months of fiscal 2010 compared with a gain of $166.1 million for the same period a year ago.  Unrealized mark-to-market derivative gains, primarily on natural gas contracts, included in cost of goods sold, totaled $63.4 million compared to losses of $165.5 million the prior year.  Equity earnings in non-consolidated entities was a loss of $17.8 million compared with income of $94.5 million last year.  The first nine months of fiscal 2009 results also included a $673.4 million gain on the sale of Mosaic's interest in Saskferco Products ULC in October 2008.

Market Outlook

This quarter, the global phosphate market continued its recovery.  DAP prices have increased significantly from the lows of the past few quarters and North American producer inventories remain lean and well below the three-year average.  Customers have met the rapid price increases for phosphates during the quarter with some caution and margin expansion may be constrained by higher raw material costs.  

The potash market showed significant improvement over the weak sales volumes of both the year ago quarter and the prior quarter.  North American producer inventories have fallen since November 2009 and are now below the three-year average.  In addition, several key international contracts provide an indication that MOP prices have stabilized.  North American dealers are increasingly willing to purchase potash in anticipation of spring planting.

Prices for many agricultural commodities continue to trade at relatively high levels and generate profitable farm returns throughout much of the world.  The Prospective Plantings Report released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture this morning indicated that U.S. farmers intend to plant the same total acreage as a year ago, but they plan to plant more corn, soybeans and cotton and less wheat and other small grains this year. This shift is positive for crop nutrient demand prospects this spring. Corn and soybean prices have declined in response to the prospect of increases in planted acreage this spring, but the outlook for these commodities still will hinge on yields achieved in the upcoming growing season.

"Many indicators point to a strong North American spring season," said Prokopanko.  "We expect to operate at normal rates during the fourth quarter and anticipate continued improvement in financial results.  The long-term crop nutrient demand outlook is favorable and we are confident having a balanced portfolio of both phosphate and potash will lead to superior results over the long term."

Financial Guidance

Total sales volumes for the Phosphates segment will be modestly constrained by low inventory levels and are expected to range from 2.4 to 2.8 million tonnes for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010.  Mosaic's realized DAP price, FOB plant, for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010 is estimated to be $420 to $460 per tonne.

Total sales volumes for the Potash segment are expected to range from 1.9 to 2.3 million tonnes for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010.  Mosaic's realized MOP price, FOB plant, for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010 is estimated to be $325 to $365 per tonne.

Capital spending for fiscal 2010 is expected to range from $0.9 billion to $1.0 billion, slightly lower than previously estimated.  Mosaic continues to execute against its multi-year potash expansion plan as well as investing to further improve operating performance of its existing plants and mines.

Selling, general and administrative expenses are estimated to range from $330 million to $350 million in fiscal 2010, lower than previously estimated, and the effective income tax rate is estimated to approximate 30% for the year.  

About The Mosaic Company

The Mosaic Company is one of the world's leading producers and marketers of concentrated phosphate and potash crop nutrients.  Mosaic is a single source provider of phosphate and potash fertilizers and feed ingredients for the global agriculture industry.  More information on the company is available at www.mosaicco.com.  

Mosaic will conduct a conference call on Thursday, April 1, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. EDT to discuss third quarter earnings results.  Presentation slides and a simultaneous audio webcast of the conference call may be accessed through Mosaic's website at www.mosaicco.com/investors.  Additionally, the conference call-in number is 888-679-8018 and the passcode is 78072992.  This webcast will be available up to one year from the time of the earnings call.  

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements about future financial and operating results.  Such statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of The Mosaic Company's management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties.  These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to the predictability and volatility of, and customer expectations about, agriculture, fertilizer, raw material, energy and transportation markets that are subject to competitive and other pressures and the effects of the current economic and financial turmoil; the level of inventories in the distribution channels for crop nutrients; changes in foreign currency and exchange rates; international trade risks; changes in government policy; changes in environmental and other governmental regulation, including greenhouse gas regulation; difficulties or delays in receiving, or increased costs of, necessary governmental permits or approvals; the effectiveness of the Company's processes for managing its strategic priorities; adverse weather conditions affecting operations in Central Florida or the Gulf Coast of the United States, including potential hurricanes or excess rainfall; actual costs of asset retirement, environmental remediation, reclamation or other environmental regulation differing from management's current estimates; accidents and other disruptions involving Mosaic's operations, including brine inflows at its Esterhazy, Saskatchewan potash mine and other potential mine fires, floods, explosions, seismic events or releases of hazardous or volatile chemicals, as well as other risks and uncertainties reported from time to time in The Mosaic Company's reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Actual results may differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.

SOURCE The Mosaic Company