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Cf Industries Holdings (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 79 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:79Outperform
Price Target:
$114.00
▲(17.31% Upside)
The score is driven primarily by strong financial performance (high margins, robust operating cash flow and free cash flow, and improved leverage). Valuation is supportive with a low P/E and a reasonable dividend. Technicals are constructive with price above key moving averages, while the earnings outlook is tempered by the Yazoo City outage and large-project/policy execution risks.
Positive Factors
Cash generation / Free cash flow
Consistent robust operating cash flow and roughly $1.8B in free cash flow provide durable financial flexibility. This cash capacity funds sustaining capex, strategic growth (Blue Point share), sizable buybacks, and debt refinancing without relying on dilutive capital—key for resilience through fertilizer cycles.
High profitability and returns
Sustained high EBITDA and net margins with strong ROE reflect structural cost advantages, scale and pricing power in nitrogen production. These durable profitability metrics support reinvestment, dividends/buybacks and balance sheet improvement even when commodity cycles soften, underpinning long-term shareholder optionality.
Decarbonization platform & Blue Point FID
Achieving FID for Blue Point and operating Donaldsonville CCS embeds CF into low-carbon ammonia supply. JV clarity and initial low-carbon sales create a durable strategic growth channel and potential premium pricing, diversifying revenue beyond commodity fertilizers and positioning CF for longer-term demand shifts.
Negative Factors
Yazoo City outage and earnings hit
The prolonged Yazoo City outage removes permanent network capacity for an extended period and generates a material EBITDA shortfall (~$200M). Extended downtime strains ability to meet contracts, increases reliance on remaining plants and insurance timing, and reduces margin headroom during tight market windows.
Execution & timing risk for Blue Point
Blue Point’s large capex and remaining permits/long‑lead items create multi-year execution risk. Cost or schedule slippage would delay revenue from low‑carbon ammonia, require additional funding or contingency drawdowns, and compress expected returns—a structural operational risk to the growth platform.
Policy/regulatory uncertainty for low‑carbon premiums
Premiums and incentives from CBAM/45V materially influence the economics of low‑carbon ammonia. Ongoing regulatory uncertainty leaves future revenue and project IRRs ambiguous, creating structural risk to returns on decarbonization investments and to forecasts for long‑term demand for premium products.

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 generates revenue primarily through the sale of its nitrogen and phosphate fertilizer products. The company's revenue model is based on selling these products to agricultural customers, which include farmers and distributors. Key revenue streams include the sale of urea, ammonium nitrate, and other nitrogen-based fertilizers, which are sold at market-driven prices influenced by factors such as crop demand, production costs, and global commodity prices. Additionally, CF Industries benefits from long-term contracts and strategic partnerships with agricultural cooperatives and distributors, enabling them to secure stable sales channels. The company's investments in production facilities, particularly its state-of-the-art nitrogen production plants, also contribute to its competitive advantage and profitability. Overall, CF Industries' earnings are significantly impacted by agricultural trends, global fertilizer demand, and fluctuations in natural gas prices, which is a critical input in nitrogen fertilizer production.

Cf Industries Holdings Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Any
Any
Net Sales by Segment
Net Sales by Segment
Reveals the revenue generated from each business segment, highlighting which areas are driving growth and contributing most to the company's top line.
Chart InsightsCF Industries' net sales reveal a mixed performance across segments. Ammonia and UAN sales have shown recovery in early 2025, aligning with the company's strategic focus on operational excellence and robust demand. However, the 'Other' segment continues to face challenges. The earnings call highlights strong financial performance and strategic initiatives like the Blue Point joint venture, but also warns of potential volatility in ammonia prices and trade policy challenges. The company's commitment to shareholder returns and carbon capture projects positions it well for future growth despite these risks.
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: TTM net margin ~20.5%, EBITDA margin ~34.2%, operating cash flow $2.75B and free cash flow $1.80B. Balance sheet leverage is manageable (debt-to-equity ~0.47) with healthy ROE (~26%). Main risk is cyclicality, with margins materially 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
EBITDA3.26B2.83B3.27B6.28B2.61B
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 Debt3.64B3.25B3.23B3.23B3.72B
Total Liabilities6.31B5.87B6.00B5.46B6.34B
Stockholders Equity7.78B4.99B5.72B5.05B3.21B
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 Price97.18
Price Trends
50DMA
85.57
Positive
100DMA
84.33
Positive
200DMA
86.39
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
3.09
Negative
RSI
61.54
Neutral
STOCH
55.56
Neutral
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 97.18 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 93.65, above the 50-day MA of 85.57, and above the 200-day MA of 86.39, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 3.09 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 61.54 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 55.56 is Neutral, 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
79
Outperform
$14.95B10.6829.62%2.56%12.59%31.40%
68
Neutral
$1.14B11.5735.31%12.33%16.52%141.96%
65
Neutral
$9.34B7.6410.00%3.70%3.82%239.39%
62
Neutral
$4.05B47.244.52%-3.93%
61
Neutral
$10.43B7.12-0.05%2.87%2.86%-36.73%
60
Neutral
$7.10B31.413.86%3.36%1.77%-8.72%
49
Neutral
$1.81B-66.80%16.68%-13.42%-136.59%
* Basic Materials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
CF
Cf Industries Holdings
97.18
21.43
28.29%
UAN
CVR Partners
100.80
30.85
44.10%
FMC
FMC
14.62
-21.68
-59.73%
MOS
Mosaic Co
29.43
4.87
19.81%
SMG
Scotts Miracle-Gro Company
69.96
12.46
21.66%
ICL
Icl
5.43
-0.50
-8.43%

Cf Industries Holdings Corporate Events

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.

Private Placements and Financing
CF Industries Completes $1 Billion Senior Notes Offering
Positive
Nov 26, 2025

On November 26, 2025, CF Industries, Inc., a subsidiary of CF Industries Holdings, Inc., completed a public offering of $1 billion in 5.300% Senior Notes due 2035. The offering, fully guaranteed by the parent company, was executed under an Indenture agreement with Wilmington Trust and involved several covenants and restrictions. The issuance aims to strengthen the company’s financial position and provide flexibility for future operations.

The most recent analyst rating on (CF) stock is a Buy with a $100.00 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: Feb 20, 2026