cf industries, a global leader in nitrogen fertilizer manufacturing and distribution, owns and operates world-scale nitrogen complexes and serves agricultural and industrial customers through its best-in-class distribution system. founded in 1946 as a fertilizer brokerage operation by a group of regional agricultural cooperatives, cf industries grew by expanding its distribution capabilities and diversifying into fertilizer manufacturing. through 2002, the company operated as a typical supply cooperative. however, in 2003, in response to changing market conditions, it adopted a new business model that established financial performance, rather than the traditional cooperative charge of providing an assured supply of product to its owners, as its principal objective. in 2005, an initial public offering completed the company’s transition and established cf industries holdings, inc. as a public company. its common stock is traded on the new york stock exchange under the symbol “cf.” in sep