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CHS INC

CHSCP
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Business Summary

CHS Inc. is the nation's leading integrated agricultural cooperative, owned by farmers, ranchers, and member cooperatives across the United States. The company provides grain, food, agronomy, and energy resources globally, serving individual agricultural producers, local cooperatives, and other companies, including both members and nonmember customers . CHS generates revenue through a wide array of products and services, ranging from agricultural inputs like fuels, farm supplies, crop nutrients, and crop protection products, to agricultural outputs such as grain and oilseed, processed grain and oilseed, renewable fuels, and food products . A portion of its operations are conducted through equity investments and joint ventures, with the company's share of income or loss from these entities included in net income using the equity method of accounting . Earnings from cooperative business are allocated to members and, to a limited extent, nonmembers on a patronage basis, in the form of patronage refunds (cash, capital equity certificates, or both), which may be redeemed over time at the Board of Directors' discretion . Earnings from nonmembers are taxed and retained as unallocated capital reserves .

The company operates in highly competitive business segments, with competition based principally on price, services, quality, patronage, and alternative products . In the Energy segment, competitors include major integrated petroleum companies, smaller domestic refiners and marketers, foreign refiners, and suppliers of other energy forms . The Ag segment faces competition from other large distributors of agricultural products, as well as regional or local distributors, cooperatives, retailers, and manufacturers . The Nitrogen Production segment's joint venture, CF Nitrogen, competes primarily on delivered price, customer service, and product quality, facing large domestic fertilizer companies and international product sources .

For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2025, CHS reported total revenues of $35.463 billion , a decrease from $39.261 billion in the prior year. Gross profit was $1.137 billion , down from $1.751 billion in fiscal 2024, resulting in a gross margin of 3.2% compared to 4.5% . Operating earnings were $90.755 million , a significant decline from $584.358 million . Interest expense increased to $146.079 million from $104.064 million . Other income was $100.431 million , down from $137.630 million . Equity income from investments increased to $569.665 million from $479.863 million . Income before income taxes was $614.772 million , a decrease from $1.098 billion . Net income attributable to CHS Inc. was $597.917 million , down from $1.102 billion . Diluted EPS is not explicitly stated in the filing. Cash and cash equivalents stood at $327.826 million as of August 31, 2025, compared to $794.865 million in the prior year. Total notes payable were $1.152 billion , up from $306.831 million , and long-term debt (including current maturities) was $1.836 billion , down from $2.161 billion . Working capital decreased to $2.804 billion from $3.308 billion . Net cash provided by operating activities was $635.787 million , a decrease from $1.273 billion in fiscal 2024.

The Energy segment's revenues, after intersegment eliminations, were $7.635 billion in fiscal 2025, a 12.9% decrease from $8.766 billion in fiscal 2024. This decline was primarily due to a $1.1 billion decrease in selling prices for refined fuels driven by global market conditions . The Energy segment's income before income taxes (IBIT) decreased significantly by $436.095 million (101.6% ) to a loss of $7.042 million in fiscal 2025 from an income of $429.053 million in fiscal 2024. This was attributed to significantly lower Western Canadian Select (WCS) crude oil discounts and crack spreads, and decreased refined fuels production volumes due to planned major maintenance at the McPherson refinery, which reduced the sales mix of higher-margin produced products relative to lower-margin purchased products . The IBIT decrease was partially offset by an approximately $90 million favorable impact from the small refinery exemption (SRE) for the Laurel, Montana, refinery for compliance years 2019 through 2024 . Higher costs for Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs), exclusive of the SRE, contributed to a $45.7 million decrease in IBIT .

The Ag segment's revenues, after intersegment eliminations, were $27.748 billion in fiscal 2025, an 8.8% decrease from $30.417 billion in fiscal 2024. This was mainly due to decreased selling prices across most product categories, including a $2.7 billion decrease for grain and oilseed, a $453.5 million decrease for oilseed processing, and a $111.3 million decrease associated with renewable fuels . These decreases were partially offset by increased volumes, including $590.7 million for wholesale and retail agronomy products due to favorable weather and strategic initiatives, and $446.7 million for grain and oilseed due to higher demand from lower prices . The Ag segment's IBIT decreased by $97.017 million (28.3% ) to $245.660 million in fiscal 2025 from $342.677 million in fiscal 2024. This was primarily due to decreased margins for grain and oilseed products from unfavorable market conditions and costs associated with closing the Superior, Wisconsin, grain facility, and decreased margins for oilseed processing due to higher global supply of soybean and canola meal and oil, resulting in lower crush margins .

The Nitrogen Production segment's IBIT increased slightly by $8.306 million (5.5% ) to $159.541 million in fiscal 2025 from $151.235 million in fiscal 2024, primarily due to higher equity income attributed to favorable market conditions for urea . Corporate and Other IBIT increased by $41.791 million (23.9% ) to $216.613 million in fiscal 2025 from $174.822 million in fiscal 2024, largely due to a gain on the sale of a business recognized by the equity investment Ventura Foods . During fiscal 2025, CHS acquired West Central Ag Services (WCAS), which resulted in $59.465 million in goodwill and $62.5 million in intangible assets . The company also closed its Superior, Wisconsin, grain facility, leading to $21.4 million in depreciation expense due to the shortening of its useful life .

Business Outlook

CHS anticipates that various macroeconomic factors will continue to drive uncertainty and instability in global energy and agricultural commodity markets, as well as global financial markets, with significant positive or negative impacts on its segments during fiscal 2026 . These factors include the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, further conflict in the Middle East, shifts in global trade flows for commodities, global competitiveness leading to a weak export market for U.S.-sourced agricultural products, potential changes in U.S. trade policy, increased or fluctuating tariffs, a changing interest rate environment, and continued pricing pressures impacting costs of labor, freight, and materials . The company currently expects global supply and demand factors impacting energy and agricultural commodities to be unfavorable in fiscal 2026, with a trend of reduced margins for these commodities expected to persist .

For fiscal 2026, CHS expects total capital expenditures to be approximately $575.1 million , a decrease from $728.6 million in fiscal 2025 . Major maintenance expenditures are projected to be approximately $53.3 million , significantly lower than $271.4 million in fiscal 2025, due to reduced turnaround activities at its refineries compared to the McPherson refinery turnaround in fiscal 2025 . The Board of Directors authorized approximately $30.0 million of fiscal 2025 patronage-sourced earnings to be paid to member-owners in fiscal 2026 . Additionally, approximately $90.0 million in equity redemptions are authorized for distribution in fiscal 2026 . The company expects to pay approximately $168.7 million in preferred stock dividends during fiscal 2026 .

The company will continue to execute its enterprise priorities for fiscal 2026, focusing on maximizing its platforms through integrated supply chains and capitalizing on domestic and global opportunities, as it navigates less favorable market conditions for energy and agricultural commodities .

Risk Factors

CHS faces significant risks from changes in commodity prices, including crude oil, natural gas, ethanol, fertilizer, grain, oilseed, and flour, which are influenced by factors beyond its control such as weather, plant disease, supply availability, transportation networks, inflation, government regulations, global trade disputes, and international conflicts . The company is exposed to political, economic, and legal risks from global operations, including terrorism, war or civil unrest, changes in country conditions, currency exchange fluctuations, price and export controls, and logistics challenges . Ongoing wars and global conflicts, such as those in Ukraine and the Middle East, have caused uncertainty and instability in global commodity markets, leading to inflationary pressures, impacts on fertilizer purchasing, and increased cybersecurity risks . Demand for CHS products is highly dependent on global and regional demographics and macroeconomic conditions, with downturns potentially reducing demand and farm income, which can limit investment and cause members to exit agricultural activities . Fluctuations in freight and logistics costs, supply chain disruptions, and adverse weather conditions, including those due to climate change, could also negatively impact business operations and costs . Inflation is expected to continue affecting costs such as labor, freight, natural gas, and materials, and while mitigation strategies are in place, they may not fully offset these increases, potentially leading to reduced sales volumes . The company operates in highly competitive markets, and competitors may develop superior products, marketing, or supply chain capabilities, restricting CHS's ability to increase prices and maintain margins . There is a risk that members may choose to do business with other companies, adversely affecting revenues and cash flows, as CHS does not have exclusive relationships with its members . Declining demand for refined petroleum products due to alternative energy sources or government policies aimed at reducing reliance on petroleum-based products could materially affect revenues . Consolidation among producers and customers could lead to less favorable pricing and supply terms for CHS, or direct sales from input manufacturers to cooperative customers, bypassing CHS . The company is exposed to nonperformance and nonpayment risks from counterparties, including financial institutions, due to their financial condition, operational failures, or refusal to perform contracts during price fluctuations . Risk management strategies, including hedging, may not be effective in mitigating exposure to commodity price fluctuations, transportation costs, energy prices, foreign currency exchange rates, and interest rates . Actual or perceived quality, safety, or health risks associated with products could lead to significant liability, product recalls, and reputational damage, especially with the growing use of social media . Operations are subject to business interruptions from events like natural disasters, cyberattacks, equipment failures, and labor disputes, and uninsured losses or losses above coverage limits are possible . Epidemics, pandemics, or other public health developments could disrupt transportation, supply chains, and increase costs . Workforce factors, such as difficulty in hiring, developing, and retaining employees, particularly in rural areas, could negatively impact the business . Technological improvements and sustainability initiatives, including genetically engineered seeds or alternative energy sources, could decrease demand for agronomy and energy products . Advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) bring risks of system failure, data breaches, and inadvertent disclosure of sensitive information . Reliance on IT systems, including an ongoing ERP implementation, and third-party data management providers, exposes the company to risks of security breaches, operational disruptions, and data loss . Increasing scrutiny and changing expectations regarding Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices may lead to regulatory fines, reputational damage, or increased costs . Failures or delays in achieving climate change strategies or complying with evolving environmental regulations could increase operational costs and litigation risk . Government policies, mandates, regulations, and trade agreements, including tariffs and retaliatory tariffs, can adversely affect operations and profitability, as seen with the EU deforestation-free regulation (EUDR) and China's soybean import limitations . Changes in federal income tax laws or CHS's tax status could significantly increase tax liability . Compliance with extensive anti-corruption, anti-bribery, anti-kickback, and trade laws and regulations, particularly in global operations, poses a risk of fines, penalties, and reputational harm . Environmental and energy laws, including those related to climate change and the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), may result in increased operating costs and capital expenditures . Environmental liabilities and litigation, including lawsuits related to agricultural chemicals, could have a material adverse effect . The company's cooperative structure limits its ability to access equity capital, as it cannot sell common stock and preferred stock dividends are limited to 8% per annum .

Management Priorities

Management's focus is on income before income taxes (IBIT) when evaluating operating performance, given the significant unpredictability and volatility in pricing, costs, and global trade volumes inherent in global commodities . They also prioritize ensuring balance sheet strength through appropriate management of financial liquidity, leverage, capital allocation, and cash flow optimization . For fiscal 2026, management anticipates continued uncertainty and instability in global energy and agricultural commodity markets due to various macroeconomic factors, and expects the trend of reduced margins for energy and agricultural commodities to persist . Despite these less favorable market conditions, the company will continue to execute its enterprise priorities, which include maximizing platforms through integrated supply chains and capitalizing on domestic and global opportunities .

View Source Annual Report on SEC.gov ↗

References

  1. [1] Item 1, Business — THE COMPANY
  2. [2] Item 1, Business — AG — Industry: Competition
  3. [3] Item 1, Business — ENERGY — Industry: Competition
  4. [4] Item 1, Business — AG — Industry: Competition
  5. [5] Item 1, Business — NITROGEN PRODUCTION — Industry: Competition
  6. [6] Item 7, MD&A — Results of Operations — Consolidated Statements of Operations
  7. [7] Item 7, MD&A — Results of Operations — Consolidated Statements of Operations
  8. [8] Item 7, MD&A — Results of Operations — Consolidated Statements of Operations
  9. [9] Item 7, MD&A — Results of Operations — Consolidated Statements of Operations
  10. [10] Item 7, MD&A — Results of Operations — Consolidated Statements of Operations
  11. [11] Item 7, MD&A — Results of Operations — Consolidated Statements of Operations
  12. [12] Item 7, MD&A — Results of Operations — Consolidated Statements of Operations
  13. [13] Item 7, MD&A — Results of Operations — Consolidated Statements of Operations
  14. [14] Item 7, MD&A — Results of Operations — Consolidated Statements of Operations
  15. [15] Item 7, MD&A — Results of Operations — Consolidated Statements of Operations
  16. [16] Item 7, MD&A — Results of Operations — Consolidated Statements of Operations
  17. [17] Item 7, MD&A — Results of Operations — Consolidated Statements of Operations
  18. [18] Item 7, MD&A — Results of Operations — Consolidated Statements of Operations
  19. [19] Item 7, MD&A — Results of Operations — Consolidated Statements of Operations
  20. [20] Item 7, MD&A — Results of Operations — Consolidated Statements of Operations
  21. [21] Item 7, MD&A — Results of Operations — Consolidated Statements of Operations
  22. [22] Item 7, MD&A — Results of Operations — Consolidated Statements of Operations
  23. [23] Item 7, MD&A — Results of Operations — Consolidated Statements of Operations
  24. [24] Item 7, MD&A — Liquidity and Capital Resources
  25. [25] Item 7, MD&A — Liquidity and Capital Resources
  26. [26] Item 7, MD&A — Liquidity and Capital Resources
  27. [27] Item 7, MD&A — Liquidity and Capital Resources
  28. [28] Item 7, MD&A — Liquidity and Capital Resources
  29. [29] Item 7, MD&A — Liquidity and Capital Resources
  30. [30] Item 7, MD&A — Liquidity and Capital Resources
  31. [31] Item 7, MD&A — Liquidity and Capital Resources
  32. [32] Item 7, MD&A — Liquidity and Capital Resources — Cash Flows
  33. [33] Item 7, MD&A — Liquidity and Capital Resources — Cash Flows
  34. [34] Item 7, MD&A — Results of Operations — Revenues by Segment — Energy
  35. [35] Item 7, MD&A — Results of Operations — Revenues by Segment — Energy
  36. [36] Item 7, MD&A — Results of Operations — Revenues by Segment — Energy
  37. [37] Item 7, MD&A — Results of Operations — Revenues by Segment — Energy
  38. [38] Item 7, MD&A — Results of Operations — Revenues by Segment — Energy
  39. [39] Item 7, MD&A — Results of Operations — (Loss) Income Before Income Taxes by Segment — Energy
  40. [40] Item 7, MD&A — Results of Operations — (Loss) Income Before Income Taxes by Segment — Energy
  41. [41] Item 7, MD&A — Results of Operations — (Loss) Income Before Income Taxes by Segment — Energy
  42. [42] Item 7, MD&A — Results of Operations — (Loss) Income Before Income Taxes by Segment — Energy
  43. [43] Item 7, MD&A — Results of Operations — (Loss) Income Before Income Taxes by Segment — Energy
  44. [44] Item 7, MD&A — Results of Operations — (Loss) Income Before Income Taxes by Segment — Energy
  45. [45] Item 7, MD&A — Results of Operations — (Loss) Income Before Income Taxes by Segment — Energy
  46. [46] Item 7, MD&A — Results of Operations — (Loss) Income Before Income Taxes by Segment — Energy
  47. [47] Item 7, MD&A — Results of Operations — (Loss) Income Before Income Taxes by Segment — Energy
  48. [48] Item 7, MD&A — Results of Operations — Revenues by Segment — Ag
  49. [49] Item 7, MD&A — Results of Operations — Revenues by Segment — Ag
  50. [50] Item 7, MD&A — Results of Operations — Revenues by Segment — Ag
  51. [51] Item 7, MD&A — Results of Operations — Revenues by Segment — Ag
  52. [52] Item 7, MD&A — Results of Operations — Revenues by Segment — Ag
  53. [53] Item 7, MD&A — Results of Operations — Revenues by Segment — Ag
  54. [54] Item 7, MD&A — Results of Operations — Revenues by Segment — Ag
  55. [55] Item 7, MD&A — Results of Operations — Revenues by Segment — Ag
  56. [56] Item 7, MD&A — Results of Operations — Revenues by Segment — Ag
  57. [57] Item 7, MD&A — Results of Operations — Revenues by Segment — Ag
  58. [58] Item 7, MD&A — Results of Operations — (Loss) Income Before Income Taxes by Segment — Ag
  59. [59] Item 7, MD&A — Results of Operations — (Loss) Income Before Income Taxes by Segment — Ag
  60. [60] Item 7, MD&A — Results of Operations — (Loss) Income Before Income Taxes by Segment — Ag
  61. [61] Item 7, MD&A — Results of Operations — (Loss) Income Before Income Taxes by Segment — Ag
  62. [62] Item 7, MD&A — Results of Operations — (Loss) Income Before Income Taxes by Segment — Ag
  63. [63] Item 7, MD&A — Results of Operations — All Other Segments
  64. [64] Item 7, MD&A — Results of Operations — All Other Segments
  65. [65] Item 7, MD&A — Results of Operations — All Other Segments
  66. [66] Item 7, MD&A — Results of Operations — All Other Segments
  67. [67] Item 7, MD&A — Results of Operations — All Other Segments
  68. [68] Item 7, MD&A — Results of Operations — All Other Segments
  69. [69] Item 7, MD&A — Results of Operations — All Other Segments
  70. [70] Item 7, MD&A — Results of Operations — All Other Segments
  71. [71] Item 7, MD&A — Results of Operations — All Other Segments
  72. [72] Item 7, MD&A — Results of Operations — All Other Segments
  73. [73] Item 8, Note 8 — Other Assets — Goodwill
  74. [74] Item 8, Note 8 — Other Assets — Other Intangible Assets
  75. [75] Item 8, Note 8 — Other Assets — Other Intangible Assets
  76. [76] Item 8, Note 7 — Property, Plant and Equipment
  77. [77] Item 8, Note 7 — Property, Plant and Equipment
  78. [78] Item 7, MD&A — Fiscal 2026 Outlook
  79. [79] Item 7, MD&A — Fiscal 2026 Outlook
  80. [80] Item 7, MD&A — Liquidity and Capital Resources — Summary of Our Major Uses of Cash and Cash Equivalents
  81. [81] Item 7, MD&A — Liquidity and Capital Resources — Summary of Our Major Uses of Cash and Cash Equivalents
  82. [82] Item 7, MD&A — Liquidity and Capital Resources — Summary of Our Major Uses of Cash and Cash Equivalents
  83. [83] Item 7, MD&A — Liquidity and Capital Resources — Summary of Our Major Uses of Cash and Cash Equivalents
  84. [84] Item 7, MD&A — Liquidity and Capital Resources — Summary of Our Major Uses of Cash and Cash Equivalents
  85. [85] Item 7, MD&A — Liquidity and Capital Resources — Summary of Our Major Uses of Cash and Cash Equivalents
  86. [86] Item 7, MD&A — Liquidity and Capital Resources — Summary of Our Major Uses of Cash and Cash Equivalents
  87. [87] Item 7, MD&A — Liquidity and Capital Resources — Summary of Our Major Uses of Cash and Cash Equivalents
  88. [88] Item 7, MD&A — Liquidity and Capital Resources — Summary of Our Major Uses of Cash and Cash Equivalents
  89. [89] Item 7, MD&A — Liquidity and Capital Resources — Summary of Our Major Uses of Cash and Cash Equivalents
  90. [90] Item 7, MD&A — Liquidity and Capital Resources — Summary of Our Major Uses of Cash and Cash Equivalents
  91. [91] Item 7, MD&A — Liquidity and Capital Resources — Summary of Our Major Uses of Cash and Cash Equivalents
  92. [92] Item 7, MD&A — Fiscal 2026 Outlook
  93. [93] Item 1A, Risk Factors — Our revenues, results of operations and cash flows could be materially and adversely affected by changes in commodity prices.
  94. [94] Item 1A, Risk Factors — We are subject to political, economic, legal and other risks of doing business globally.
  95. [95] Item 1A, Risk Factors — Ongoing wars and global conflicts may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
  96. [96] Item 1A, Risk Factors — Our business and operations and demand for our products are highly dependent on certain global and regional factors that are outside our control and could adversely impact our business.
  97. [97] Item 1A, Risk Factors — Our business and operations and demand for our products are highly dependent on certain global and regional factors that are outside our control and could adversely impact our business.
  98. [98] Item 1A, Risk Factors — Inflation may result in increased costs, which could have a material and adverse effect on our results of operations.
  99. [99] Item 1A, Risk Factors — We participate in highly competitive business markets and we may not be able to continue to compete successfully, which could have a material adverse effect on us.
  100. [100] Item 1A, Risk Factors — Our revenues, margins, results of operations and cash flows could be materially and adversely affected if our members were to do business with other companies rather than with us.
  101. [101] Item 1A, Risk Factors — If our customers choose alternatives to our refined petroleum products, our revenues, results of operations and cash flows could be materially and adversely affected.
  102. [102] Item 1A, Risk Factors — Consolidation among producers of products we purchase and customers for products we sell could materially and adversely affect our revenues, results of operations and cash flows.
  103. [103] Item 1A, Risk Factors — We are exposed to risk of nonperformance and nonpayment by counterparties.
  104. [104] Item 1A, Risk Factors — Our risk management strategies may not be effective.
  105. [105] Item 1A, Risk Factors — Actual or perceived quality, safety or health risks associated with our products could subject us to significant liability and damage our business and reputation.
  106. [106] Item 1A, Risk Factors — Our operations are subject to business interruptions, casualty losses and supply chain issues. We do not insure against all potential losses and could be seriously harmed by unanticipated liabilities.
  107. [107] Item 1A, Risk Factors — Our business and operations have been, and may in the future, be adversely affected by epidemics, pandemics, outbreaks of disease and other adverse public health developments.
  108. [108] Item 1A, Risk Factors — We are subject to workforce factors that could adversely affect our business and financial condition.
  109. [109] Item 1A, Risk Factors — Technological improvements and sustainability initiatives could decrease demand for our agronomy and energy products.
  110. [110] Item 1A, Risk Factors — Artificial Intelligence (“AI”), including generative AI, advancements are progressing at an unprecedented pace, which brings risks that could subject us to loss through various technical, legal, and opportunistic-related risks.
  111. [111] Item 1A, Risk Factors — We utilize information technology systems to support our business. The ongoing multiyear implementation of an enterprisewide resource planning system, reliance on multiple legacy business systems as well as third-party data management providers and other vendors, security breaches or other disruptions to our information technology systems or assets could interfere with our operations, compromise the security of our customers' or suppliers' information and expose us to liability that could adversely impact our business and reputation.
  112. [112] Item 1A, Risk Factors — Increasing scrutiny and changing expectations from stakeholders with respect to our environmental, social and governance practices may expose us to new or additional risks.
  113. [113] Item 1A, Risk Factors — Failures or delays in achieving our strategies or expectations related to climate change and other environmental matters could adversely affect our business, operations and reputation, and increase risk of litigation.
  114. [114] Item 1A, Risk Factors — Government policies, mandates, regulations, trade agreements, domestic and foreign trade policies, including the imposition of tariffs and retaliatory tariffs, and other factors beyond our control could adversely affect our operations and profitability.
  115. [115] Item 1A, Risk Factors — Changes in federal income tax laws or in our tax status, or changes to tax rules in jurisdictions in which we operate, could increase our tax liability and reduce our net income significantly.
  116. [116] Item 1A, Risk Factors — We are subject to extensive anti-corruption, anti-bribery, anti-kickback and trade laws and regulations, and any noncompliance with those laws and regulations could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
  117. [117] Item 1A, Risk Factors — Environmental and energy laws and regulations may result in increased operating costs and capital expenditures, and may have a material and adverse effect on us.
  118. [118] Item 1A, Risk Factors — Environmental liabilities and litigation could have a material adverse effect on us.
  119. [119] Item 1A, Risk Factors — Our cooperative structure limits our ability to access equity capital.
  120. [120] Item 7, MD&A — Overview — Management's Focus
  121. [121] Item 7, MD&A — Fiscal 2026 Outlook
  122. [122] Item 7, MD&A — Fiscal 2026 Outlook

Analysis on 5/20/2026