3 Reasons The Mosaic Company Could Outperform Potash Corp in 2016
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Transcript of 3 Reasons The Mosaic Company Could Outperform Potash Corp in 2016
3 Reasons The Mosaic Company Could Outperform
Potash Corp in 2016
Image source: The Mosaic Company
#1 Lower exposure to potash
The product mix Mosaic depends largely on phosphate for revenue. Its international distribution activities also relate primarily to its phosphate segment
Data source: Company financials. Charts by author
PotashCorp: 2015 segment-wise sales
Potash
Phosphate
Nitrogen
Mosaic: 2015 segment-wise sales
Phosphate
International distribution
Potash
Why that helps MosaicGlobal demand for phosphate has traditionally proven to
be more resilient than potash
Source: Mosaic’s presentation at Citi’s 2015 Basic Materials Conference, December 2015
Why that helps Mosaic (cont.)Potash prices have been hit harder in recent years on
fluctuating demand
Source: PotashCorp’s Market Overview Report, February 2016
PotashCorp’s profits could dip further as key consumer, India, has stalled potash imports and delayed purchases for the year
Global projections through 2020 suggest greater stability in Mosaic’s sales and earnings going forward:Potash: 21% increase in capacity, 16% growth in demandPhosphate: 11% increase in capacity, 16% growth in demand
Looking ahead
#2 Efficient cost control and superior earnings growth
Strong operational performanceDespite facing similar macro headwinds, Mosaic ended 2015 on a remarkably stronger note than PotashCorp
Data source: Company financials
Company % change in revenue (yoy)
% change in net income (yoy)
Mosaic Down 2% Down 3%
PotashCorp Down 12% Down 17%
Favorable product mix: Stronger demand and prices for phosphate offset weaker potash sales
Aggressive cost control: Mosaic’s selling, general, and administrative expenses hit a six-year low in 2015, declining 5.5% from 2014 levels. Comparatively, PotashCorp’s SG&A expenses declined only 2.5% last year
Declining input costs: Mosaic’s phosphate rock cash production cost hit a near five-year low in 2015
What worked in Mosaic’s favor
Demand and prices of phosphate projected to decline. However, lower input costs should help Mosaic maintain its margins
Cost cutting to continue in 2016:
Looking ahead
Mosaic’s SG&A projection: Down 3%-Up 3% PotashCorp’s SG&A projection: Flat-Up 5%
#3 Attractive valuation
Mosaic shares suffered a similar fate as PotashCorp last year despite a stronger operational performance
Beaten up
The result
Thanks to its steep recent fall, Mosaic is currently trading at only 7.5 times trailing earnings and 8.5
times its free cash flow. That’s cheaper than PotashCorp, and
presents an attractive opportunity
A good bargain
Foolish takeaway
While business conditions remain challenging, a favorable product mix and stringent cost control should boost Mosaic’s margins going forward. At current valuation, the stock appears to be a better bargain than PotashCorp
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