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Cf Industries Holdings, Inc. (CF)
NYSE:CF

Cf Industries Holdings (CF) AI Stock Analysis

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CF

Cf Industries Holdings

(NYSE:CF)

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Outperform 76 (OpenAI - 5.2)
,
Outperform 76 (OpenAI - 5.2)
,
Outperform 76 (OpenAI - 5.2)
,
Outperform 76 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:76Outperform
Price Target:
$146.00
▲(12.68% Upside)
Action:ReiteratedDate:03/16/26
The score is driven primarily by strong financial performance (high profitability and robust operating/free cash flow with improving leverage) and an attractive valuation (low P/E). Technicals show a strong uptrend but momentum is overextended (high RSI/Stoch), and the earnings outlook includes a notable 2026 EBITDA headwind from the Yazoo outage alongside execution/regulatory uncertainties, partially mitigated by expected insurance proceeds and continued capital returns.
Positive Factors
Cash generation
Sustained operating cash flow and strong FCF provide durable financial flexibility: funds ongoing capex, sizable share repurchases, and debt refinancings while absorbing cyclical earnings swings. Over 2–6 months this underpins capital allocation and resilience through commodity cycles.
High margins & returns
Robust margins and elevated ROE (~26%) reflect structural cost/scale advantages in ammonia production and market pricing power when supply is tight. These profitability levels support cash generation and shareholder returns, making earnings less vulnerable to short swings over the medium term.
Progress on low‑carbon platform
Securing FID and partner commitments for Blue Point and advancing CCS (Donaldsonville ramp) create a durable growth and premium product pathway. Successful project execution would diversify revenue, capture low‑carbon premiums, and position CF in emerging decarbonized ammonia markets over the coming years.
Negative Factors
Yazoo City outage
The prolonged outage removes meaningful ammonia capacity (2026 production down ~5.9%), pressuring volumes and near‑term EBITDA. Even with expected insurance proceeds, timing uncertainty and sustained capacity loss can depress revenue and strain logistics and customer allocations across the network for months.
Execution & timing risk on major capex
Large modular projects (Blue Point ~$3.7B total; CF 40% share) expose the company to multi‑year execution, permitting and procurement risk. Delays or cost overruns would defer low‑carbon revenue and extend payback horizons, creating medium‑term uncertainty in cash deployment and project ROI.
Policy/regulatory uncertainty
Unclear rules and incentives for low‑carbon products affect the economics and customer willingness to pay premiums. This regulatory ambiguity can delay commercialization value of decarbonization investments and make projected returns on low‑carbon projects more uncertain over the next several quarters.

Cf Industries Holdings (CF) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Cf Industries Holdings Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionCF Industries Holdings, Inc. manufactures and sells hydrogen and nitrogen products for energy, fertilizer, emissions abatement, and other industrial activities worldwide. Its principal products include anhydrous ammonia, granular urea, urea ammonium nitrate, and ammonium nitrate products. The company also offers diesel exhaust fluid, urea liquor, nitric acid, and aqua ammonia products; and compound fertilizer products with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It primarily serves cooperatives, independent fertilizer distributors, traders, wholesalers, and industrial users. The company was founded in 1946 and is headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois.
How the Company Makes MoneyCF Industries makes money primarily by producing and selling nitrogen-based products derived from ammonia, which is manufactured using natural gas as a key feedstock and energy source. Its core revenue streams come from sales of nitrogen fertilizers (including ammonia, granular urea, UAN solution, and ammonium nitrate) to agricultural customers and distributors; pricing is generally market-based and influenced by global nitrogen supply/demand dynamics, crop economics, and regional logistics. The company also generates revenue from sales of ammonia and other nitrogen products into industrial markets (e.g., for chemical and emissions-control applications) where applicable. Earnings are driven by the spread between realized selling prices for nitrogen products and production costs (especially natural gas), combined with plant utilization, reliability, and the ability to move product through owned/contracted storage, terminals, and transportation channels to reach customers. Specific partnership details: null.

Cf Industries Holdings Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Any
Any
Production Volume by Segment
Production Volume by Segment
Indicates the output levels across different segments, providing insight into operational efficiency and capacity utilization.
Chart InsightsCF Industries' production volumes show resilience despite fluctuations, with ammonia and UAN maintaining strong outputs, reflecting a 99% utilization rate. The recent earnings call highlights strategic initiatives like the Donaldsonville Carbon Capture project, which enhances operational efficiency and sustainability. Despite operational disruptions and geopolitical challenges, the company capitalizes on a tight global nitrogen market, particularly in North America and India. This strategic positioning, alongside significant shareholder returns, underscores CF Industries' robust market stance and potential for sustained growth.
Data provided by:The Fly

Cf Industries Holdings Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Feb 18, 2026
(Q4-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:May 06, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The call emphasized strong operational execution, robust financial results (adjusted EBITDA ~$2.9B, free cash flow ~$1.8B) and active capital returns (large share repurchases and new repurchase authorization). Strategic progress was highlighted via Blue Point FID, Donaldsonville CCS ramp, and early low‑carbon sales. Main negatives were the Yazoo City incident (production outage, ~$200M EBITDA headwind) and a $51M impairment on an electrolyzer pilot, plus execution/timing risks around large projects and regulatory uncertainties. Management expects insurance proceeds to mitigate much of the Yazoo impact and framed market dynamics as constructive (tight global nitrogen market supporting prices). Overall, positives (strong cash generation, buybacks, growth/decabonization progress, favorable market) outweigh the material but manageable setbacks (Yazoo, pilot impairment, geopolitical/regulatory risks).
Q4-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong Full-Year Financial Performance
Adjusted EBITDA of approximately $2.9 billion for FY2025 (vs. a referenced mid-cycle ~$2.5B, ~+16%). Net earnings attributable to common stockholders ~ $1.5 billion, or $8.97 per diluted share.
Robust Quarterly Results
Q4 2025 net earnings of $404 million, or $2.59 per diluted share; Q4 EBITDA $731 million and adjusted EBITDA $821 million.
High Operational Output and Utilization
Produced 10.1 million tons of gross ammonia in 2025 at a 97% utilization rate.
Strong Cash Generation and Capital Returns
Net cash from operations of $2.75 billion and free cash flow of ~ $1.8 billion in 2025 (up from $1.5B the year prior, ~+20%). Returned $1.7 billion to shareholders, including $1.3B used to repurchase 16.6 million shares (~10% of outstanding shares at the beginning of the year).
Balance Sheet / Financing Actions
Completed $1 billion senior notes offering to refinance $750 million maturing in Dec 2026 and strengthen financial flexibility.
Progress on Blue Point JV and Growth Platform
Blue Point (JV with JERA and Mitsui) achieved positive FID and all planned milestones through year-end, partners secured offtake and received Japanese contract-for-difference awards; civil work expected to begin Q2 2026. Project capex forecast $3.7B (CF 40%); $500M contingency remains.
Decarbonization & Low‑Carbon Product Traction
Donaldsonville CCS in operation; expected sequestration of just under 1.5 million tons of CO2 in 2026 (vs ~700k in prior year). Management reported first low‑carbon ammonia sales and growing customer willingness to pay premiums for low‑carbon product (Europe, Asia, Africa, and domestic pilots such as with POET).
Share Repurchase Program Continuation
Completed $3.0B repurchase program; commenced new $2.0B program authorized in 2025 with approximately $1.7B remaining (program expires Dec 2029).
Negative Updates
Yazoo City Incident and Production Impact
Process incident at Yazoo City Complex in November (no significant injuries). Ammonium nitrate unit damaged; site not expected to resume production until Q4 2026 at the earliest. Management forecasts network gross ammonia production of ~9.5 million tons in 2026 (down from 10.1M in 2025, ~-5.9%) and estimates a ~$200 million full‑year EBITDA impact from the outage.
Q4 Impairments and Project Setback
Recorded two Q4 impairment charges totaling $76 million: $51 million related to the decision to discontinue the electrolyzer pilot at Donaldsonville due to its return profile, and $25 million related to the Yazoo City incident.
Timing / Uncertainty of Insurance Recoveries
Business interruption insurance deductible satisfied; proceeds expected during 2026 but timing described as potentially 'bumpy'—creating short‑term earnings/timing uncertainty despite expectation of offsetting much of the Yazoo EBITDA loss.
Market & Geopolitical Risks
Supply constraints and geopolitical risks noted (natural gas issues in Trinidad and Iran, tight European production economics, Middle East tensions). These factors increase volatility and could disrupt globally traded volumes (LNG and urea transit risks through Strait of Hormuz highlighted).
Dependence on External Project Timelines and Contingencies
Blue Point remains on plan but significant long‑lead procurement and permitting milestones remain (air permit, Army Corps); capex timing adjustments noted and $500M contingency included, signaling execution and timing risk for large modular project.
Uncertainty Around Policy Drivers (CBAM / 45V)
EU CBAM and U.S. 45V guidelines remain uncertain; while management views these as upside if supportive, evolving regulation creates uncertainty around the timing and magnitude of premiums for low‑carbon product and potential impact on returns.
Company Guidance
CF Industries guided to a 2026 operating year shaped by the Yazoo City outage and continued strong market fundamentals: the company now expects its network to produce ~9.5 million tons of gross ammonia in 2026 (vs. 10.1 million tons in 2025 at 97% utilization), anticipates sequestering just under 1.5 million tons of CO2 in 2026 from Donaldsonville, and disclosed a full-year EBITDA hit from Yazoo of roughly $200 million (with business interruption insurance proceeds expected during 2026 after satisfying the deductible in December). 2026 consolidated capital expenditures are forecast at approximately $1.3 billion (CF’s share ~ $950 million, including $550 million sustaining CapEx plus ~ $400 million for Blue Point and common infrastructure); Blue Point’s total project cost remains ~$3.7 billion (CF’s 40% interest), civil work is expected to begin in Q2 2026 and the project includes ~$500 million of contingency. 2025 financials cited as context: net cash from operations $2.75 billion, free cash flow ≈ $1.8 billion, adjusted EBITDA ≈ $2.9 billion, net earnings ≈ $1.5 billion or $8.97/diluted share; Q4 2025 adjusted EBITDA $821 million and net earnings $404 million ($2.59/diluted share). Other 2025 actions and balances: returned $1.7 billion to shareholders (including >$1.3 billion to repurchase 16.6 million shares, ~10% of shares), completed a $1 billion senior notes offering to refinance $750 million maturing Dec 2026, commenced a new $2 billion repurchase authorization with ≈ $1.7 billion remaining, and recorded $76 million of impairment charges ($51 million electrolyzer pilot, $25 million Yazoo).

Cf Industries Holdings Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Strong profitability and cash generation support the score (TTM net margin ~20.5%, EBITDA margin ~34.2%, operating cash flow $2.75B and free cash flow $1.80B). Leverage is manageable (debt-to-equity ~0.47) and improved versus earlier years, but results are meaningfully cyclical with margins below the 2022 peak.
Income Statement
78
Positive
TTM (Trailing-Twelve-Months) revenue rebounded to $7.08B (+5.2% growth) after a weaker 2023–2024 period, while profitability remains strong with ~20.5% net margin and ~34.2% EBITDA margin. That said, margins are well below the 2022 peak (net margin ~29.9%), highlighting meaningful cyclicality in pricing/earnings power for the business.
Balance Sheet
74
Positive
Leverage looks manageable in TTM (Trailing-Twelve-Months) with debt-to-equity at ~0.47 and equity up to $7.78B, a clear improvement versus 2020–2021 when debt-to-equity was above 1.0. Returns on equity are healthy (~26%), but the balance sheet’s strength is partly tied to cycle-driven profitability and prior years show the company can run with higher leverage when conditions soften.
Cash Flow
82
Very Positive
Cash generation is a key strength: TTM (Trailing-Twelve-Months) operating cash flow is $2.75B and free cash flow is $1.80B (+5.3%), supporting strong financial flexibility. Operating cash flow runs well ahead of net income (~2.5x), though free cash flow conversion is moderate (free cash flow at ~67% of net income), indicating some ongoing reinvestment and/or working-capital swings.
BreakdownDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue7.08B5.94B6.63B11.19B6.54B
Gross Profit2.72B2.06B2.65B5.89B2.36B
EBITDA3.29B2.83B3.27B6.28B2.61B
Net Income1.46B1.22B1.52B3.35B917.00M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets14.09B13.47B14.38B13.31B12.38B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments1.98B1.61B2.03B2.32B1.63B
Total Debt3.95B3.25B3.23B3.23B3.72B
Total Liabilities6.31B5.87B6.00B5.46B6.34B
Stockholders Equity4.84B4.99B5.72B5.05B3.21B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow1.80B1.75B2.26B3.39B2.35B
Operating Cash Flow2.75B2.27B2.76B3.85B2.87B
Investing Cash Flow-933.00M-469.00M-1.68B-440.00M-466.00M
Financing Cash Flow-1.48B-2.21B-1.37B-2.70B-1.46B

Cf Industries Holdings Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price129.57
Price Trends
50DMA
94.99
Positive
100DMA
87.57
Positive
200DMA
88.22
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
8.80
Negative
RSI
72.67
Negative
STOCH
89.38
Negative
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For CF, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 129.57 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 105.70, above the 50-day MA of 94.99, and above the 200-day MA of 88.22, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 8.80 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 72.67 is Negative, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 89.38 is Negative, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for CF.

Cf Industries Holdings Risk Analysis

Cf Industries Holdings disclosed 22 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Cf Industries Holdings reported the most risks in the "Ability to Sell" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Cf Industries Holdings Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (61)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
76
Outperform
$19.91B8.6229.95%2.56%12.59%31.40%
68
Neutral
$9.31B14.149.96%3.70%3.82%239.39%
67
Neutral
$1.38B10.9832.82%12.33%16.52%141.96%
62
Neutral
$3.54B-6.71-27.23%4.52%-3.93%
61
Neutral
$10.43B7.12-0.05%2.87%2.86%-36.73%
59
Neutral
$6.93B32.613.77%3.36%1.77%-8.72%
49
Neutral
$1.76B-0.78-61.24%16.68%-13.42%-136.59%
* Basic Materials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
CF
Cf Industries Holdings
129.57
53.61
70.57%
UAN
CVR Partners
131.00
63.51
94.11%
FMC
FMC
14.04
-26.77
-65.59%
MOS
Mosaic Co
29.31
3.57
13.88%
SMG
Scotts Miracle-Gro Company
60.96
2.31
3.94%
ICL
Icl
5.37
-0.77
-12.50%

Cf Industries Holdings Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyLegal Proceedings
CF Industries Secures Settlement, Ends Ammonium Nitrate Agreements
Positive
Mar 16, 2026

On March 15, 2026, CF Industries’ subsidiaries reached a settlement agreement resolving litigation with Orica International and its affiliates, as well as Nelson Brothers, Inc. and Nelson Brothers LLC. As part of the settlement, Orica agreed to pay CF Industries $169.5 million in cash and the parties terminated long-standing ammonium nitrate purchase agreements signed in February 2014.

The cash payment and contract termination mark a significant financial and commercial adjustment to CF Industries’ relationship with a major customer in the ammonium nitrate segment. Ending the 2014 purchase agreements may alter future sales patterns and supply commitments, potentially giving CF Industries greater flexibility in how it allocates ammonium nitrate production and manages its customer portfolio.

The most recent analyst rating on (CF) stock is a Buy with a $150.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Cf Industries Holdings stock, see the CF Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and Strategy
CF Industries JV Solidified as JERA Option Expires
Positive
Jan 9, 2026

On April 8, 2025, CF Industries Holdings, Inc. announced the formation of Blue Point Number One, LLC, a joint venture with Japan’s largest energy company JERA Co., Inc. and global investment and trading firm Mitsui & Co., Ltd. to construct, produce and market low-carbon ammonia, with ownership split 40% to CF Industries, 35% to JERA and 25% to Mitsui. As part of the original agreement, JERA held a conditional option to reduce its stake to as low as 20% with CF Industries required to increase its ownership by the same amount, but that option has now expired unexercised, clarifying the long-term ownership structure and signaling continued commitment from all three partners to the low-carbon ammonia project.

The most recent analyst rating on (CF) stock is a Sell with a $78.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Cf Industries Holdings stock, see the CF Stock Forecast page.

Executive/Board Changes
CF Industries appoints interim CFO amid leadership transition
Neutral
Jan 7, 2026

On January 5, 2026, CF Industries Holdings, Inc. and its executive vice president and chief financial officer, Gregory D. Cameron, agreed that Cameron will leave the company effective February 15, 2026, marking a planned leadership transition in the finance function. On January 6, 2026, the company named long-time vice president, corporate controller and chief accounting officer, Richard A. Hoker, as interim CFO effective the same date, while it conducts a search for a permanent successor. Hoker, a seasoned finance executive with prior experience at Sara Lee and Coopers & Lybrand and credentials including CPA and an MBA in finance and accounting, steps into the interim role without any related-party concerns disclosed, and existing compensation arrangements for both executives remain unchanged as the company navigates this transition in its senior financial leadership.

The most recent analyst rating on (CF) stock is a Hold with a $88.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Cf Industries Holdings stock, see the CF Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Mar 16, 2026