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**UNITED STATESSECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION******Washington, D.C. 20549

### FORM 10-K

**ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OFTHE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934**

**For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003**

**Commission file number 333-71510-06**

**IMC Phosphates Company**(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

| **Delaware** (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | **36-3892806** (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------|

**100 S. Saunders Road Suite 300Lake Forest, Illinois 60045(847) 739-1200**(Address and zip code of principal executive offices and registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:  None

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file suchreports); and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes  X           No       

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).  Yes __  No   X 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference inPart III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [X]

No equity interests of the registrant are held by non-affiliates.

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**2003 FORM 10-K CONTENTS**

| **Part I:**                                                                                                                                    | *Page*     |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------|
| Item 1.   Business                                                                                                              | 1          |
| *              - Business Operations Information*                        | 2          |
| *              - Factors Affecting Demand*                               | 6          |
| *              - Other Matters*                                          | 6          |
| Item 2.   Properties                                                                                                            | 10         |
| Item 3.   Legal Proceedings                                                                                                     | 10         |
| Item 4.   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders                                                                   | 10         |
| **Part II:**                                                                                                                                   | ** ** |
| Item 5.   Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters                                                 | 10         |
| Item 6.   Selected Financial Data                                                                                               | 11         |
| Item 7.   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations                                 | 11         |
| Item 7A.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk                                                                             | 19         |
| Item 8.   Financial Statements and Supplementary Data                                                                           | 20         |
| *              - Report of Independent Auditors*                         | 21         |
| *              - Consolidated Statement of Operations*                   | 22         |
| *              - Consolidated Statement of Changes in Partners' Capital* | 22         |
| *              - Consolidated Balance Sheet*                             | 23         |
| *              - Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows*                   | 24         |
| *              - Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements*             | 25         |
| *              - Quarterly Financial Information*                        | 43         |
| Item 9.   Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure                                  | 43         |
| Item 9A.Controls and Procedures                                                                                                                | 43         |
| **Part III:**                                                                                                                                  | ** ** |
| Item 10.  Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant                                                                         | 44         |
| Item 11.  Executive Compensation                                                                                                     | 44         |
| Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management                                                                  | 45         |
| Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Related Stockholder Matters                                             | 45         |
| Item 14.  Principal Accounting Fees and Services                                                                                     | 45         |
| ** Part IV:**                                                                                                                             | ** ** |
| Item 15.  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K                                                            | 47         |
| Signatures                                                                                                                                     | S-1        |
| Exhibit Index                                                                                                                                  | E-1        |

----

**Part I.**

Item 1.  Business.

IMC Phosphates Company (IMC Phosphates), is one of the world's largest and lowest cost producers, marketers and distributors of phosphate crop nutrients and animal feed ingredients, with operations in central Florida and on the Mississippi River inLouisiana.  IMC Phosphates' business includes the mining and sale of phosphate rock and the production, marketing and distribution of phosphate crop nutrients and animal feed ingredients.  IMC Phosphates was formed as a joint venture partnership in July1993 when Phosphate Resource Partners Limited Partnership (PLP) and IMC Global Inc. (IMC) contributed their respective phosphate crop nutrients businesses to IMC Phosphates. IMC Phosphates is 43.5 percent owned by PLP and 56.5 percent by IMC. PRP-GP LLC (PRP) andFMRP Inc., which are wholly owned subsidiaries of IMC, own 51.58 percent and .02 percent, respectively, of the outstanding PLP limited partnership units. As a result, IMC's total interest in IMC Phosphates is approximately 78.9 percent.

IMC Phosphates' Amended and Restated Partnership Agreement (Partnership Agreement) provides that the partnership will remain in existence until June 30, 2076.  The partnership could be terminated earlier than June 30, 2076 in accordance with provisions of thePartnership Agreement that provide for termination in connection with matters such as bankruptcy of any partner; dissolution at the election of the partners; occurrence of any event that makes it unlawful to carry on the business of the partnership or to carry it onin the partnership; a determination by IMC Phosphates MP Co. (MP Co.), which is the managing general partner of IMC Phosphates and a wholly owned subsidiary of IMC and PLP, that the partnership cannot be operated in a manner consistent with achieving thepartnership's business other than in a manner inconsistent with preserving the partnership status of PLP for federal income tax purposes; and judicial or other dissolution in accordance with Delaware law.  The partnership could also be continued beyond December31, 2076 by vote of a majority interest of the partners in accordance with the provisions of the Partnership Agreement, or if IMC and PLP both elect to exercise their option to purchase the interest of the other in the partnership.  See ***OTHER MATTERS* -Relationship between IMC Phosphates and IMC**; Part II, Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations;" Notes 1 and 8 of the Notes to Financial Statements inPart II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data;" Part III, Item 10, "Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant;" and Part III, Item 11, "Executive Compensation" of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional important information concerning the Partnership Agreement, the relationshipbetween IMC Phosphates and IMC, distributions to partners and other matters.

IMC Phosphates is a leading United States (U.S.) miner of phosphate rock, one of the primary raw materials used in the production of concentrated phosphates, with approximately 18 million tons of capacity, as well as a leading U.S. producer of concentratedphosphates. IMC Phosphates is one of the world's three largest producers and marketers of phosphate and potash based animal feed ingredients with a total annual capacity approaching one million tons. IMC Phosphates' mines and related operations are located in centralFlorida, while the facilities that produce concentrated phosphates and animal feed ingredients are located in central Florida and Louisiana. Such mines, concentrates plants and related facilities are owned or leased principally by IMC Phosphates. MP Co. manages theoperations of IMC Phosphates. MP Co. is a wholly owned subsidiary of IMC and PLP. Sales, marketing, customer service, distribution, administrative and other functions are in some cases furnished to IMC Phosphates and MP Co. by IMC and its subsidiaries that includeIMC USA Holdings Inc., IMC USA Inc. LLC and IMC Global Operations Inc.

Although IMC Phosphates sells phosphate rock to other crop nutrient and animal feed ingredient manufacturers, it primarily uses phosphate rock internally. Domestically, IMC Phosphates sells its concentrated phosphates to crop nutrient manufacturers, distributorsand retailers. Virtually all of PhosFeed's export sales are marketed through the Phosphates Chemicals Export Association (PhosChem), a Webb-Pomerene Act organization. IMC Phosphates also uses concentrated phosphates and potash internally for the production of animalfeed ingredients, which are supplied to poultry and livestock markets in North America, Latin America and Asia. IMC Phosphates operates in a highly competitive global market.

In December 2003, IMC and PLP jointly announced that IMC was considering making a proposal to merge an affiliate of IMC with PLP, with each publicly held partnership unit in PLP being converted into the right to receive 0.2shares of IMC common stock (PLP unit exchange).  In addition, IMC and PLP announced that Alpine Capital, L.P., Keystone, Inc. and The Anne T. and Robert M. Bass Foundation (collectively, the largest public holders of PLP units) had agreed to support such atransaction.  In January 2004, IMC presented the PLP unit exchange to the Board of Directors ofPRP.  In March 2004, IMC and PLP announced that the Board of Directors of PRP had unanimously approved the PLP unit exchange, and recommended that unitholdersvote to approve the PLP unit exchange.  The merger agreement relating to the PLP unit exchange is expected to be signed shortly, following the final approval by the Board of Directors of IMC.  Such approval is expected in the near future.  The PLP unitexchange will be subject to certain conditions, including among other things, necessary regulatory approvals, action by the unitholders of PLP, and other conditions which are customary for transactions of this nature involving publicly traded companies.  The PLPunit exchange is not conditioned on the consummation of IMC’s combination with Cargill Crop Nutrition referred to below. If the combination with Cargill Crop Nutrition is consummated, and IMC's common stock is converted into the right to receive common stock ofthe newly formed company, then each former publicly held PLP unit will be converted into the right to receive 0.2 shares of common stock of the newly created company.

In January 2004, IMC signed a definitive agreement with Cargill, Incorporated (Cargill) to combine IMC's and Cargill'sCrop Nutrition businesses to create a new, publicly traded company (Newco).  The combination will be effected by the contribution by Cargill toNewco of equity interests in entities owning all or substantially all of the assets, liabilities and obligations of the Cargill Crop Nutrition businesses, in exchange for the issuance by Newco of shares of common stock and Class B common stock to Cargill.  Inaddition, as part of the combination, a wholly owned subsidiary of Newco will be merged with and into IMC, with IMC surviving as a wholly owned subsidiary of Newco.  In the merger, each outstanding share of IMC's common stock and preferred stock will beconverted into one share of Newco common stock or preferred stock, as applicable.  Cargill will own approximately 66.5 percent of Newco's common stock and IMC's common stockholders will own approximately 33.5 percent of Newco's common stock.  Thecombination is subject to regulatory approval in the U.S., Brazil, Canada, China and several other countries; the approval of IMC's stockholders; the completion of the PLP unit exchange; and satisfaction of other customary closing conditions.  Subject tocompletion of the closing conditions contained in the definitive agreement, IMC anticipates the transaction will close in the summer of 2004.

***BUSINESS OPERATIONS INFORMATION***

The following discussion of business operations should be read in conjunction with the information contained in Part II, Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  Forinformation on IMC Phosphates' operations by geographic area, see Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

MP Co., a wholly owned subsidiary of IMC and PLP, manages the operations of IMC Phosphates.  Subject to the terms of the Partnership Agreement, (see ***OTHER MATTERS*** - **Relationship Between IMC Phosphates and IMC** for a discussion ofthe material terms) IMC, through MP Co., has the sole authority to make certain decisions affecting IMC Phosphates, including authorizing certain capital expenditures for expansion; incurring certain indebtedness; approving significant acquisitions and dispositions;and determining certain other matters.  IMC Phosphates' operations consist of its phosphate crop nutrients business and its animal feed ingredients business.

Net sales for IMC Phosphates were $1,335.7 million, $1,257.3 million and $1,171.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.  IMC Phosphates is a leading U.S. producer of concentrated phosphates with an annual capacity ofapproximately four million tons of phosphoric acid (P2O5)1.  IMC Phosphates' concentrated phosphate products are marketed worldwide to crop nutrient manufacturers, distributors andretailers. 

________________________________________________

 

 1P2O5 is an industry term indicating a product's phosphate content measured chemically in units of phosphorous pentoxide.

________________________________________________

IMC Phosphates' facilities, which produce concentrated phosphates and animal feed phosphates, are located in central Florida and Louisiana.  Its annual capacity represents approximately 30 percent of total U.S. concentrated phosphate production capacity andapproximately nine percent of world capacity.  The Florida concentrated phosphate facilities consist of two plants: New Wales and South Pierce.  The New Wales complex is the second largest concentrated phosphate plant in the world with an estimated annualcapacity of nearly two million tons of phosphoric acid (P2O5 equivalent).  New Wales primarily produces two forms of concentrated phosphates and four forms of animal feed phosphates.  Diammonium phosphate (DAP) and monoammoniumphosphate (MAP, both granular and powdered) are the fertilizer derivatives, while Biofos®, Dynafos®, Monofos® and Multifos® are the animal feed derivatives.  The South Pierce plant produces phosphoricacid, merchant grade phosphoric acid and granular triple superphosphate (GTSP).  Additionally, IMC Phosphates sources potassium raw materials from IMC's respective production facilities and markets Dyna-K®, Dyna-K White® andDynamate® as potassium-based feed ingredients.

The Louisiana concentrated phosphate facilities consist of three plants: Uncle Sam, Faustina and Taft.  The Uncle Sam plant produces phosphoric acid.  The phosphoric acid is then shipped to the Faustina and Taft plants where it is used to produce DAP andgranular monoammonium phosphate (GMAP).  The Faustina plant manufactures phosphoric acid, DAP, GMAP and ammonia.  The Taft facility manufactures DAP and GMAP.  Concentrated phosphate operations are managed to balance IMC Phosphates' output withcustomer needs.  In response to then-current reduced market demand, IMC Phosphates suspended production at its Taft facility in July 1999 and suspended phosphoric acid production at its Faustina facility in November 1999.  From January 2001 until earlyAugust 2001, IMC Phosphates temporarily suspended its Uncle Sam phosphoric acid production as well as its Faustina DAP and GMAP production.  In addition, from January 2001 until June 2001, IMC Phosphates temporarily suspended its Faustina ammoniaproduction.  From June 2003 until early August 2003, IMC Phosphates temporarily suspended its Uncle Sam phosphoric acid production as well as its Faustina DAP, GMAP and ammonia production.  The Taft facility and Faustina's phosphoric acid productionfacilities remain temporarily idled.

Summarized below are descriptions of the principal raw materials used in the production of concentrated phosphates: phosphate rock, sulphur and ammonia.

*Phosphate Rock*All of IMC Phosphates' phosphate mines and related mining operations are located in central Florida.  IMC Phosphates extracts phosphate ore through surface mining after removal of a ten to fifty foot layer of sandy overburden and then processes the ore at itsbeneficiation plants where the ore goes through washing, screening, sizing and flotation processes designed to separate the phosphate rock from sands, clays and other foreign materials*.*  IMC Phosphates currently maintains four operational mines.

IMC Phosphates' rock production volume was approximately 15 million tons, 18 million tons and 14 million tons for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.  In order to manage its inventories, IMC Phosphates temporarily idled itsmining operations in 2001 during the months of July and December.  From late January 2003 through April 2003, IMC Phosphates temporarily idled its Fort Green mining operation in order to manage its inventories.  Although IMC Phosphates sells phosphate rockto other crop nutrient and animal feed ingredient manufacturers, it primarily uses phosphate rock internally in the production of concentrated phosphates.  Tons used internally totaled approximately 12 million, 12 million and 11 million for the years endedDecember 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively, representing 73 percent, 70 percent and 69 percent, respectively, of total rock tons shipped.  Rock shipments to customers totaled approximately four million tons, five million tons and five million tons forthe years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

IMC Phosphates estimates its proven reserves to be 440 million tons of phosphate rock as of December 31, 2003.  IMC Phosphates owns approximately54 percent of these reserves and controls the remainder through long-term lease, royalty or purchase optionagreements.  Reserve grades range from 58 percent to 78 percent bone phosphate of lime (BPL)2, with an average grade of 64 percent BPL.  The phosphate rock mined by IMC Phosphates in the last three years averaged64 percent BPL, which management believes is typical for phosphate rock mined in Florida during this period.  IMC Phosphates estimates its reserves based upon exploration core drilling as well as technical and economic analyses to determine that reserves soclassified can be economically mined.

____________________________________________________

 

2BPL is the standard industry term used to grade the quality of phosphate rock.

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IMC Phosphates also owns or controls phosphate rock resources in the southern extension of the central Florida phosphate district (Resources).  Resources are mineralized deposits that may become economically recoverable.  However, additionalgeostatistical analyses, including further exploration, permitting and mining feasibility studies, are required before such deposits may be classified as reserves.  Based upon its preliminary analyses of these Resources, IMC Phosphates believes that thesemineralized deposits differ in physical and chemical characteristics from those historically mined by IMC Phosphates but are similar to certain of the reserves being mined in current operations.  These Resources contain estimated recoverable phosphate rock ofapproximately 127 million tons.  Some of these Resources are located in what may be classified as preservational wetland areas under standards set forth in current county, state and federal environmental protection laws and regulations.  Consequently, IMCPhosphates' ability to mine these Resources may be restricted.

*Sulphur*Sulphur is used at the New Wales, South Pierce, Uncle Sam and (when producing phosphoric acid) Faustina plants to produce sulphuric acid primarily for use in IMC Phosphates' production of phosphoric acid.  Until June 2002, a significant portion of IMCPhosphates' sulphur requirements was provided by Freeport-McMoRan Sulphur LLC (FMS) under a supply agreement with IMC, while IMC Phosphates' remaining sulphur requirements were provided by market contracts.  In June 2002, IMC Phosphates completed the acquisitionof the sulphur transportation and terminaling assets of FMS through Gulf Sulphur Services Ltd., LLLP (Gulf Services), a 50-50 joint venture with Savage Industries Inc.  Concurrently with this acquisition, and instead of purchasing a majority of its annualsulphur tonnage through FMS, IMC Phosphates negotiated new supply agreements to purchase sulphur directly from recovered sulphur producers.  Additionally, IMC, CF Industries, Inc. and Cargill Fertilizer, Inc. have formed a separate joint venture to construct afacility for remelting sulphur for use at their respective Florida phosphate fertilizer operations.  The remelt facility was expected to be operational in 2005, however the three companies have slowed the development process until further discussions are heldduring 2004.  The remelt facility would provide IMC Phosphates additional flexibility by allowing it to diversify and procure a portion of its sulphur from the much larger and previously inaccessible offshore solid sulphur market.

*Ammonia*IMC Phosphates' ammonia needs are supplied by its Faustina ammonia production facility and by world suppliers, primarily under annual and multi-year contracts.  Production from the Faustina plant, which has an estimated annual capacity of 560,000 tons ofanhydrous ammonia, is principally used internally to produce certain concentrated phosphates.   Ammonia for the New Wales plant and third party ammonia customers of IMC Phosphates is terminaled through an ammonia facility at Port Sutton, Florida that isleased by IMC Phosphates for a term expiring in 2013 which IMC Phosphates may extend for up to five additional years.  In connection with the sale of IMC Phosphates' Port Sutton fertilizer and feed warehouse and marine export facility (Port Sutton) in December2003 that is adjacent to the Port Sutton ammonia facility, IMC Phosphates entered into an agreement with the buyer for the buyer to also operate the Port Sutton ammonia facility.  The agreement expires in 2013 but may be extended by IMC Phosphates for anunlimited number of additional five year terms, as long as the parties are entitled to operate the ammonia facility.

*Sales and Marketing*Domestically, IMC Phosphates sells its concentrated phosphates to crop nutrient manufacturers, distributors and retailers.   IMC Phosphates also uses concentrated phosphates internally for the production of animal feed ingredients.  Virtually all of IMCPhosphates' export sales of phosphate crop nutrients are marketed through PhosChem, a Webb-Pomerene Act organization, which IMC administers on behalf of itself and two other member companies.  PhosChem believes that its sales represent approximately 41 percentof total U.S. exports of concentrated phosphates.  The countries that account for the largest amount of PhosChem's sales of concentrated phosphates include China, Brazil, Australia and Japan.  During 2003, IMC Phosphates' concentrated phosphates exports toAsia were 34 percent of total shipments by volume, with China representing 35 percent of export shipments.  IMC Phosphates, with a strong brand position in a $1.0 billion feed ingredients global market, also supplies phosphate and potassium-based feedingredients for poultry and livestock to markets in North America, Latin America and Asia.

The table below shows IMC Phosphates' shipments of concentrated phosphates in thousands of dry product tons, primarily DAP:

| * *        | *2003* | *2002* | *2001* |
|-----------------|--------|--------|--------|
| * *        | *Tons* | *%*    | *Tons* | *%* | *Tons* | *%* |
| Domestic        | 2,657  | 44     | 2,857  | 46 | 2,689 | 45 |
| Export          | 3,373  | 56     | 3,331  | 54 | 3,313 | 55 |
| Total shipments | 6,030  | 100    | 6,188  | 100 | 6,002 | 100 |
|            |   |   |   |   |   |   |

As of December 31, 2003, IMC Phosphates had contractual commitments for 2004 from non-affiliated customers for the shipment of approximately three**million tons of concentrated phosphates and approximately fivemillion tons of phosphate rock.   IMCPhosphates also had contractual commitments from non-affiliated customers for the shipment of phosphate feed and feed grade potassium products amounting to approximately 500,000 tons in 2004.

In connection with the Port Sutton sale, IMC Phosphates entered into an agreement with the buyer pursuant to which at least 70 percent (75 percent if the buyer meets certain customer requirements) of the bulk marine export requirements for DAP and MAP and 100percent of the bulk marine export requirements for animal feed ingredients from New Wales will be shipped through the Port Sutton facility and the buyer's Port Manatee, Florida, warehouse and marine export facility.  The agreement expires in 2013 but may beextended by IMC Phosphates for an unlimited number of additional five year terms.

*Competition*IMC Phosphates operates in a highly competitive global market.  Among the competitors in the global phosphate crop nutrient market are domestic and foreign companies, as well as foreign government-supported producers.  Phosphate crop nutrient producerscompete primarily based on price and, to a lesser extent, product quality and innovation.  Major integrated producers of feed phosphates and feed grade potassium are located in the U.S., Europe and China.  Many smaller producers are located in emergingmarkets around the world.  Many of these smaller producers are not manufacturers of phosphoric acid and are required to purchase this raw material on the open market.  Competition in this global market is also driven by price, quality and service.

As one of the largest miners of phosphate rock in the U.S., and one of the world's largest producers of concentrated phosphates, IMC Phosphates enjoys an advantage over competitors as the scale of operations effectively reduces production costs perunit.  IMC Phosphates is also vertically integrated to captively supply one of its key raw materials, phosphate rock, to its concentrated phosphate production facilities.  It also produces another raw material, ammonia, to captively supply itsFaustina concentrates facility.  As a 50 percent owner of Gulf Services, IMC Phosphates is well-positioned to ensure an adequate, flexible and cost-effective supply of its third key raw material, sulphur.

With production facilities in both Central Florida near the Port of Tampa and in Louisiana on the Mississippi River, IMC Phosphates is logistically positioned to supply both domestic and international customers.  In addition, those multiple productionpoints afford IMC Phosphates the flexibility to optimally balance supply and demand.

With no captive ammonia production in Florida, IMC Phosphates is subject to significant volatility in its purchase price of ammonia from world markets.  In addition, IMC Phosphates is subject to many environmental laws and regulations in the stateof Florida that are often more stringent than those with which producers in other states or foreign countries must comply.

***Factors Affecting Demand***

IMC Phosphates' results of operations historically have reflected the effects of several external factors, which are beyond its control and have in the past produced significant downward and upward swings in operating results. Revenues are highly dependent uponconditions in the North American agriculture industry and can be affected by crop failure, changes in agricultural production practices, government policies and weather.  Furthermore, IMC Phosphates' business is seasonal to the extent North American farmers andagricultural enterprises purchase more crop nutrient products during the spring and fall.

IMC Phosphates' sells products throughout the world.  Unfavorable changes in trade protection laws, policies and measures, and other regulatory requirements affecting trade; unexpected changes in tax and trade treaties; strengthening or weakeningof foreigneconomics as well as political relations with the U.S. may cause sales trends to customers in one or more foreign countries to differ from sales trends in the U.S.

***OTHER MATTERS***

**Environmental Health and Safety Matters******

*IMC Phosphates Program*IMC Phosphates has adopted the following Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) Policy (Policy):

*As a key to IMC Phosphates' success, IMC Phosphates is committed to the pursuit of excellence in health and safety and environmental stewardship.  Every employee will strive to continuously improve IMC Phosphates' performance and to minimize adverseenvironmental, health and safety impacts.   IMC Phosphates will proactively comply with all environmental, health and safety laws and regulations.*

This Policy is the cornerstone of IMC Phosphates' comprehensive EHS management program (EHS Program), which seeks to achieve sustainable, predictable and verifiable EHS performance.  Key elements of the EHS Program include: (i) identifying and managing EHSrisk; (ii) complying with legal requirements; (iii) improving IMC Phosphates' EHS procedures and protocols; (iv) educating employees regarding EHS obligations; (v) retaining and developing qualified professional EHS staff; (vi) evaluating facility conditions; (vii)evaluating and enhancing safe workplace behaviors; (viii) performing audits; (ix) formulating EHS action plans; and (x) assuring management accountability.  IMC conducts audits to verify that each facility has identified risks, achieved regulatory compliance,implemented continuous EHS improvement, and incorporated EHS management systems into day-to-day business functions.

A critical focus of IMC Phosphates' EHS Program is achieving compliance with the evolving myriad of international, federal, state, provincial and local EHS laws that govern IMC Phosphates' production and distribution of crop and animal nutrients.  These EHSlaws regulate or propose to regulate: (i) conduct of mining and production operations, including employee safety procedures; (ii) condition of IMC Phosphates' facilities; (iii) management and handling of raw materials; (iv) product content; (v) use of products byboth IMC Phosphates and its customers; (vi) management and/or remediation of potential impacts to air, water quality and soil from IMCPhosphates' operations; (vii) disposal of waste materials; and (viii) reclamation of lands after mining.  For any new regulatory programs that might be proposed, it is difficult to ascertain future compliance obligations or to estimate future costs untilimplementing regulations have been finalized and definitive regulatory interpretations have been adopted.  IMC Phosphates typically responds to such regulatory requirements at the appropriate time by implementing necessary modifications to facilities or tooperating procedures.

IMC Phosphates has expended, and anticipates that it will continue to expend, substantial financial and managerial resources to comply with EHS standards.  In 2004, environmental capital expenditures are expected to total approximately $33.5 million,primarily related to: (i) modification or construction of wastewater treatment areas in Florida; (ii) construction, modification and closure projects associated with phosphogypsum stacks at the IMC Phosphates' concentrates plants; (iii) upgrading of air pollutioncontrol equipment at the concentrates plants; and (iv) capital projects associated with remediation of contamination at current or former operations.  Additional expenditures for land reclamation activities will total approximately $26.0 million in 2004. In2005, IMC Phosphates expects environmental capital expenditures will be approximately $22.2 million and expenditures for land reclamation activities will be approximately $25.0 million.  No assurance can be given that greater-than-anticipated EHS capitalexpenditures or land reclamation expenditures will not be required in 2004 or in the future.

IMC Phosphates has recorded accounting accruals for certain contingent environmental liabilities and believes such accruals are in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. IMC Phosphates records accruals for environmental investigatory andnon-capital remediation costs and for expenses associated with litigation when litigation has commenced or a claim or assessment has been asserted or is imminent, the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome is probable and the financial impact of such outcome isreasonably estimable. These accruals are adjusted quarterly for any changes in IMC Phosphates' estimates of the future costs associated with these matters.

*Product Requirements and Impacts*International, federal, state and provincial standards require IMC Phosphates to register many of its products before these products can be sold.  The standards also impose labeling requirements on these products and require IMC Phosphates to manufacture theproducts to formulations set forth on the labels. Various environmental, natural resource and public health agencies continue to evaluate alleged health and environmental impacts that could arise from the handling and use of products such as those manufactured by IMCPhosphates.  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the state of California, and The Fertilizer Institute in conjunction with the European Fertilizer Manufacturers Association have completed independent assessments of potential risks posed by crop nutrientmaterials.  These assessments concluded that when handled and used as intended, based on the available data, crop nutrient materials do not pose harm to human health or the environment.  Nevertheless, agencies could impose additional standards or regulatoryrequirements on the producing industries, including IMC Phosphates or its customers.  It is the current opinion of management that the potential impact of any such standards on the market for IMC Phosphates' products, and the expenditures that might be necessaryto meet any such standards, will not have a material adverse effect on IMC Phosphates' business or financial condition.

*Operating Requirements and Impacts*

*Permitting*. IMC Phosphates holds numerous environmental, mining and other permits or approvals authorizing operation at each of its facilities.  IMC Phosphates' ability to continue operations at a facility could be materially affected by a governmentagency decision to deny or delay issuing a new or renewed permit or approval, to revoke or substantially modify an existing permit or approval, or to substantially change conditions applicable to a permit modification.  In addition, expansion of IMC Phosphatesoperations or extension of operations into new areas is predicated upon securing the necessary environmental or other permits or approvals, for instance, over the next several years, IMC Phosphates will be continuing its efforts to obtain permits in support of itsanticipated Florida mining operations at certain of IMC Phosphates' properties, including Ona and Pine Level.  These properties contain in excess of 100.0 million tons of phosphate rock reserves.  For years, IMC Phosphates has successfully permitted miningproperties and anticipates that it will be able to permit these properties as well.  In Florida, local community participation has become an important factor in the permitting process for mining companies.  A denial of these permits or the issuance ofpermits with cost-prohibitive conditions would prevent IMC Phosphates from mining at these properties and thereby have a material adverse effect on IMC Phosphates' business or financial condition.

*Reclamation Obligations. * During its mining operations, IMC Phosphates removes overburden and sand tailings in order to retrieve phosphate rock reserves.  Once IMC Phosphates has finished mining in an area, it returns overburden and sand tailingsand reclaims the area in accordance with approved reclamation plans and applicable laws.  IMC Phosphates has incurred and will continue to incur significant costs to fulfill its reclamation obligations.  In the past, IMC Phosphates has established accrualsto account for these reclamation expenses.  On January 1, 2003, IMC Phosphates adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 143 *Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations*. IMC Phosphates has since accounted for mandatory reclamation ofphosphate mining land in accordance with this accounting guidance.  See Note 4 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for theimpact of this accounting treatment.

*Management of Residual Materials and Closure of Management Areas*.** ** Mining and processing of phosphate generates residual materials that must be managed both during the operation of the facility and upon facility closure.  Phosphate clayresiduals are deposited in clay settling ponds.  Processing of phosphate rock with sulphuric acid generates phosphogypsum that is stored in Phosphogypsum Stack Systems (Gypstacks). 

During the life of the clay settling ponds and Gypstacks, IMC Phosphates has incurred and will continue to incur significant costs to manage its phosphate residual materials in accordance with environmental laws and regulations and with permit requirements. Additional legal and permit requirements will take effect when these facilities are closed.  

 In the past, IMC Phosphates has established accruals to account for these closure costs.  As of January 1, 2003, the following closure costs are accounted for underSFAS No. 143: (i) costs for closure of Gypstacks in Florida and Louisiana at the end of their useful lives; and (ii) costs for treatment of acidic Gypstack water to facilitate discharge of such waters pursuant to permits and to promote Gypstack closure.  See Note 4 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the impact of this accounting treatment.

On February 23, 2004, during aroutine inspection, IMC Phosphates detected a loss of process water in a sectionof its New Wales Facility Phase I line Gypstack.  IMC Phosphates' review ofthe reasons for the loss is ongoing and the Company has not yet determined theactions or expenditures that may be required.

*Financial Assurance. * Separate from IMC Phosphates' accounting treatment for reclamation and closure liabilities, some jurisdictions in which IMC Phosphates operates have required it either to pass a test of financial strength or provide creditsupport, typically surety bonds or financial guarantees, to address phosphate mining reclamation liabilities and closure liabilities for clay settling areas and Gypstacks.  See **Off-BalanceSheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations** in Part II, Item7, "Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the amounts of such assurance maintained by IMC Phosphates and the impacts of such assurance. ****  

The State of Florida has begun formulating new financial assurance rules for closure and long-term care of Gypstacks.  Such rules likely will become effective in 2004 and are expected to include more stringent financial tests than the current rules, alongwith requirements that closure cost estimates include the cost of treating Gypstack water.  See **Off-BalanceSheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations** in Part II, Item 7, "Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results ofOperations," of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more detail.

*Remedial Activities*The Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (Superfund) imposes liability, without regard to fault or to the legality of a party's conduct, on certain categories of persons who are considered to have contributed to the release of"hazardous substances" into the environment.  Various states have enacted legislation that is analogous to the federal Superfund program. Under Superfund, or its various state analogues, one party may, under certain circumstances, be required to bear more thanits proportionate share of cleanup costs at a site where it has liability if payments cannot be obtained from other responsible parties.  Superfund or state analogues may impact IMC Phosphates at its current or former operations.

*Remediation at IMC Phosphates' Facilities*. Many of IMC Phosphates' formerly owned or current facilities have been in operation for a number of years. The historical use and handling of regulated chemical substances, crop and animal nutrients and additivesas well as by-product or process tailings at these facilities by IMC Phosphates and predecessor operators have resulted in soil, surface water and groundwater impacts.

At many of these facilities, spills or other releases of regulated substances have occurred previously and potentially could occur in the future, possibly requiring IMC Phosphates to undertake or fund cleanup efforts under Superfund or otherwise.  In someinstances, IMC Phosphates has agreed, pursuant to consent orders or agreements with the appropriate governmental agencies, to undertake certain investigations, which currently are in progress, to determine whether remedial action may be required to address siteimpacts.  At other locations, IMC Phosphates has entered into consent orders or agreements with appropriate governmental agencies to perform required remedial activities that will address identified site conditions.  Taking into account establishedaccruals, future expenditures for these known conditions currently are not expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect on IMC Phosphates' business or financial condition. However, material expenditures by IMC Phosphates could berequired in the future to remediate the environmental impacts at these or at other current or former sites.

*Remediation at Third-Party Facilities*. Various third parties have alleged that IMC Phosphates' historic operations have impacted neighboring off-site areas or nearby third-party facilities.  In some instances, IMC Phosphates has agreed, pursuant toorders from or agreements with appropriate governmental agencies or agreements with private parties, to undertake or fund investigations, some of which currently are in progress, to determine whether remedial action, under Superfund or otherwise, may be required toaddress off-site impacts. IMC Phosphates' remedial liability at these sites, either alone or in the aggregate, currently is not expected to have a material adverse effect on IMC Phosphates' business or financial condition.  As more information is obtainedregarding these sites, this expectation could change.

*Liability for Off-Site Disposal Locations.* Currently, IMC Phosphates is involved or concluding involvement for off-site disposal at less than five Superfund or equivalent state sites.  Moreover, IMC Phosphates previously has entered into settlements toresolve its liability with regard to Superfund or equivalent state sites.  In some cases, such settlements have included "reopeners," which could result in additional liability at such sites in the event of newly discovered contamination or othercircumstances.  IMC Phosphates' remedial liability at such disposal sites, either alone or in the aggregate, currently is not expected to have a material adverse effect on IMC Phosphates' business or financial condition.  As more information is obtainedregarding these sites and the potentially responsible parties involved, this expectation could change.

For further discussion of off-site remedial activities, see Note 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

**Employees**

The individuals who perform services for IMC Phosphates are employed primarily by MP Co.  This includes former employees of PLP and IMC who were transferred to MP Co. when IMC Phosphates was formed.  As of December 31, 2003, MP Co. had 2,972employees.  The work force consisted of 733 salaried employees, 2,239 hourly employees and no temporary or part-time employees.  See "**Relationship Between IMC Phosphates and IMC - Management and Ownership**," for further detail.

**Labor Relations**

MP Co. has two collective bargaining agreements with affiliated local chapters of the same international union.  As of December 31, 2003, approximately 90 percent of the hourly work force was covered under collective bargaining agreements.  One agreementwas re-negotiated during 2003.  One agreement will expire in 2004.  IMC Phosphates has not experienced a significant work stoppage in recent years and considers its employee relations to be good.

**Relationship Between IMC Phosphates and IMC******

**Management and Ownership**

As a result of IMC's ownership interest, IMC has the ability to control all matters relating to the management of IMC Phosphates, including any determination with respect to the acquisition or disposition of IMC Phosphates assets, future issuance of additionaldebt and the payment of any distributions.  See Part III, Item 10, "Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant," and Item 11, "Executive Compensation," of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information.  During 2003, IMC Phosphatescalculated $22.8 million in distributions to its partners based on the fourth quarter ****2003 distributable cash calculation. IMC Phosphates' distributable cash is neither recorded nor payable until 40 days after the quarter end in accordance with the PartnershipAgreement.

**Financing Arrangements**

Reference is made to the information set forth in Note 8 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 2.  Properties.

Information regarding the plant and properties of IMC Phosphates is included in Part I, Item 1, "Business," of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 3.  Legal Proceedings.

For information on legal and environmental proceedings, see Note 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

            Not applicable.

**Part II.**

Item 5.  Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters.

            Not applicable.

Item 6.  Selected Financial Data.

**FIVE YEAR COMPARISONa**(Dollars in millions)

| *Year ended December31                                                   * |
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| *** ***                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              | *2003 b* | *2002c* | *2001 d* | *2000e* | *1999f* |
| **Statement of Operations Data:**                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         |   |   |   |   |   |
| Net sales                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 | $  1,335.7  | $  1,257.3  | $  1,171.4  | $  1,246.8  | $  1,511.4  |
| Gross margins                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             | $      (25.1) | $       79.1  | $         7.8  | $     101.9  | $     254.5  |
| Operating earnings (loss)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 | $      (55.2) | $       35.7  | $      (43.8) | $       58.2  | $       88.3  |
| Earnings (loss) from operations before cumulative   effect of a change in accounting principle                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  | $      (70.9) | $       16.0  | $      (72.1) | $       41.7  | $       83.1  |
| Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     | (32.7) | -  | -  | -  | (6.2) |
| Earnings (loss)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           | $    (103.6) | $        16.0 | $      (72.1) | $       41.7  | $       76.9  |
| **Balance Sheet Data (as of December 31):**                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               |  
 

 

 

 

Total assets

$   1,809.1 

$  1,818.4 

$  1,755.6 

$  1,654.3 

$  1,721.7 

Working capital (deficit)

$      (21.8)

$        (2.9)

$      (27.7)

$      (98.2)

$       43.9 

Working capital ratio

0.9:1 

1.0:1 

0.9:1 

0.7:1 

1.2:1 

Long-term debt, less current maturities

$     351.2 

$     310.8 

$     280.7 

$       71.7 

$     208.8 

Total debt

$     355.2 

$     324.5 

$     293.9 

$       82.1 

$     219.1 

Partnership capital

$     803.5 

$     907.6 

$     889.7 

$  1,002.2 

$  1,027.2 

**Other Financial Data:**

 
 

 

 

 

Cash provided by (used in) operating activities

$       24.0 

$       85.2 

$   (125.1)

$     211.4 

$     385.3 

Capital expenditures

$     (75.5)

$    (102.1)

$     (81.8)

$     (75.3)

$     (94.9)

Distributable cash calculatedg

$       22.8 

$       10.0 

$            - 

$       99.5 

$     171.2 

a For information related to the special items discussed below, see Part II, Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.b Operating loss includes a gain from the sale of assets of $13.9 million and a restructuring charge of $2.7 million. IMC Phosphates' Loss includes a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle for the adoption of SFASNo. 143.c Net sales include a price adjustment of $6.5 million related toprior periods.  Operating results include the price adjustment related toprior periods and the unfavorable impact of reduced operating rates due to asulphur supply shortage in July of $5.3 million.d Loss includes special charges of $11.6 million for the following: (i) costs associated with employee headcount reductions; (ii) the repurchase of a plant and accrual for its planned demolition; and (iii) the write-off ofcertain deferred costs.e Earnings include a restructuring gain of $1.2 million for the sale of a previously written-off plant.f Earnings include special charges of $133.5 million primarily related to IMC's company-wide rightsizing program and a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle for the adoption of Statement of Position 98-5,*Reporting on the Costs of Start-up Activities*.g Recorded and payable 40 days after quarter end.

Item 7.   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. 

**INTRODUCTION**

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations should be read in conjunction with financial statements and accompanying notes included in Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," of this Annual Reporton Form 10-K. 

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations highlights the primary factors affecting changes in the operating results of IMC Phosphates during the three year period ended December 31, 2003.  In 2003, IMC Phosphatessold Port Sutton, which resulted in a gain of $13.9 million.  In connection with this transaction, IMC Phosphates incurred a restructuring charge of $0.3 million related to severance costs.  In addition, in order to meet current business challenges and aspart of IMC's drive to be the industry's low-cost producer, IMC announced an organization restructuring program (Program) in January 2003. 

As a result, IMC Phosphates incurred charges of $2.4 million associated with severance and related costs for the Program.  In 2001, IMC Phosphates incurred special charges, which increased the loss by $11.6 million.  The special charges were comprisedof:  (i) a $6.4 million charge for the repurchase, closure and planned demolition of a urea plant previously sold to a third party; (ii) a $2.8 million charge for severance related to a new organizational structure (Reorganization Plan); and (iii) a $2.4 millioncharge for the write-off of certain deferred costs. 

Product prices in the worldwide crop nutrient market are highly cyclical.  In addition, IMC Phosphates purchases many of its raw materials, including ammonia, natural gas and sulphur, from third parties for use in production.  Fluctuations in product andraw material prices as well as the availability of raw materials can have a material impact on the IMC Phosphates liquidity and results from operations.  

While ammonia costs and DAP selling prices both increased substantially in the fourth quarter of 2003, the rate of DAP price improvements was greaterthan the increase in ammonia costs in the latter part of the fourth quarter with DAP prices continuing to strengthen into 2004.  However, IMCPhosphates did not fully benefit from the impact of the DAP price increases in the fourth quarter. 

At the end of 2003, Tampa DAP export spot prices of $220 metric ton were at their highest level in about five years.  Much tighter grain markets, higher crop prices, lower producer inventories and improved farm income point toward increased domestic andoffshore phosphate demand.  Higher raw material costs, especially ammonia and natural gas, and increased manufacturing costs remain a challenge for 2004.

**RESULTS OF OPERATIONS**

*2003 Compared to 2002*IMC Phosphates' Net sales of $1,335.7 million in 2003 increased six percent from $1,257.3 million in 2002.  Higher average sales realizations of concentrated phosphates, particularly DAP, favorably impacted Net sales by $104.3 million.  Average DAPprices for 2003 increased 12 percent to $154 per short ton as compared to an average price of $137 per short ton for the twelve months of 2002.  Decreased shipments of concentrated phosphates unfavorably impacted Net sales by $19.9 million.  The majority ofthe volume decrease resulted from lower shipments of DAP and GTSP of $43.4 million and $10.4 million, respectively, partially offset by higher shipments of GMAP of $35.9 million.  The decrease in DAP volumes resulted principally from decreased demand from Chinaand lower shipments to domestic customers.  An increase in plant shutdown time in 2003 resulted in lower production volumes and therefore limited the amount of product available to the domestic market.  The lower GTSP volumes were primarily the result ofproduction problems which limited the amount of product available to service the domestic market as well as lower export sales to Chile.  The higher GMAP volumes occurred because of increased export sales to Brazil and Mexico and higher domestic sales as aresult of increased sales efforts for this product line in 2003.  GMAP contains lower amounts of ammonia compared to DAP and the high cost of ammonia during 2003 led to an increased effort to sell GMAP.

Gross margins in 2003 of a negative $25.1 million decreased from a positive $79.1 million in 2002.  This decrease was primarily a result of higher raw material costs, higher phosphate operating costs, and higher idle plant costs, partially offset by higherconcentrated phosphate sales prices discussed above.  The higher raw material, phosphate operating and idle plant costs negatively impacted margins by $126.2 million, $59.2 million and $17.6 million, respectively.  The higher raw material costs wereprimarily the result of higher prices for ammonia, sulphur and natural gas.  The increase in phosphate operating costs resulted principally from lower production volumes, higher sulphuric acid usage and higher deferred turnaround amortization costs.  Thehigher idle plant costs were the result of the Louisiana operations being idle for a portion of the month of March and the entire months of June and July of the current year compared to producing all year in 2002 as well as a rock mine being idle for three months inthe current year compared to operating during all of 2002. 

In the fourth quarter of 2003, IMC Phosphates completed the sale of Port Sutton.  As a result of this transaction, IMC Phosphates received net proceeds of $20.9 million and recognized a gain of $13.9 million recorded in Operating losses on the ConsolidatedStatement of Operations.  See Note 3 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further detail on this transaction.

Interest expense for 2003 increased $3.5 million to $21.8 million from $18.3 million in 2002 as a result of increased working capital borrowings from IMC.

Other (income) expense, net changed $7.5 million from $1.4 million of expense in 2002 to $6.1 million of income in 2003 mainly because of $0.7 million of income from the sale of mineral rights, a $1.6 million favorable variance from income received from IMCPhosphates' investment in Gulf Services and a $3.6 million gain on natural gas forward purchase contracts related to facilities temporarily idled during the second and third quarters of 2003 as discussed below.  Per SFAS No. 133, *Accounting for DerivativeInstruments and Hedging Activities, as amended*, the underlying contracts did not qualify as hedges because the facilities designated to take delivery of the natural gas were idled.

Certain natural gas forward purchase contracts were entered into at various dates beginning January 9, 2002 through March 14, 2003, relating to the periods of March, June and July 2003.  As a result of a decision to idle operations in Louisiana, forecastednatural gas purchase requirements for March, June and July 2003, to which the natural gas forward purchase contracts specifically related were no longer probable.  As a result, these contracts no longer qualified as cash flow hedges under SFAS No. 133. Because the contracts no longer qualified for hedge accounting, IMC Phosphates was required to transfer the accumulated gain that existed on the contracts at that point from Accumulated other comprehensive income to the Consolidated Statement of Operations along withthe subsequent gains or losses from settlement of the contracts. 

On January 1, 2003 IMC Phosphates adopted SFAS No. 143*. *   Under the new rules, legal obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived assets are required to be recognized at their fair value at the time that the obligations areincurred.  In the first quarter, IMC Phosphates recorded a charge of $32.7 million representing the difference between IMC Phosphates recording its obligations pursuant to the new requirements and amounts previously recorded.

*2002 Compared to 2001*IMC Phosphates' Net sales of $1,257.3 million in 2002 increased seven percent from $1,171.4 million in 2001.  Higher average sales realizations of concentrated phosphates, particularly DAP, favorably impacted Net sales by $46.7 million.  Average DAPprices for 2002 increased seven percent to $137 per short ton as compared to an average price of $128 per short ton for the twelve months of 2001.  Increased shipments of concentrated phosphates favorably impacted Net sales by an additional $21.8 million. The majority of the volume increase resulted from higher shipments of DAP, partially offset by lower shipments of GMAP.  This increase in DAP volumes resulted principally from increased demand from China and domestic customers.  The favorable DAP shipmentswere partially offset by lower GMAP sales to Brazil.  Higher phosphate rock sales also impacted Net sales by $13.1 million which was primarily created by increased prices.  Net sales were also favorably impacted by a $6.5 million price adjustment related toprior periods.

Gross margins in 2002 of $79.1 million increased from $7.8 million in 2001, which included special charges of $2.4 million.  This increase was primarily a result of: (i) lower idle plant costs of $48.0million; (ii) higher concentrated phosphate sales pricesof $46.7 million; (iii) higher phosphate rock sales of $13.1 million; (iv) the favorable impact of the price adjustment related to prior periods of $6.5 million; (v) improved pricing for ammonia of $21.0 million and natural gas of $4.1 million; partially offset by(vi) higher phosphate operating costs of $55.7 million; and (vii) higher sulphur costs of $24.8 million.  The lower idle plant costs were the result of the Louisiana operations producing all year in 2002 compared to being idle for seven months in 2001 as well asthe phosphate rock operations being idle for eight weeks in 2001 compared with no idle weeks in 2002.  The higher sales prices were discussed above.  The higher operating costs were primarily the result of higher maintenance, electricity and insurancecosts.

Interest expense in 2002 of $18.3 million declined eight percent from $19.9 million in 2001 as a result of lower variable interest rates, partially offset by increased working capital borrowings.

Other (income) expense, net decreased $7.0 million or 83 percent as a result of the following: (i) the absence of fees related to an accounts receivable securitization which was terminated by IMC in the first quarter of 2001, (ii) the absence of a prior year lossfrom natural gas forward purchased contracts, and (iii) income received from IMC Phosphates' investment in Gulf Services. 

Certain natural gas forward purchase contracts were entered into at various dates beginning February 26, 2001 through April 2, 2001, relating to the periods of June and July 2001.  As a result of a decision to idle operations in Louisiana, the forecastednatural gas purchase requirements for June and July 2001, to which the natural gas forward purchase contracts specifically related, were no longer probable.  As a result, these contracts no longer qualified as cash flow hedges under SFAS 133.  Because thecontracts no longer qualified for hedge accounting, IMC Phosphates was required to transfer the accumulated loss that existed on the contracts at that point from Accumulated other comprehensive income to the Consolidated Statement of Operations along with thesubsequent gains or losses from settlement of the contracts.  The loss from these contracts recorded in Other (income) expense, net was $3.1 million in the second quarter of 2001.

*Restructuring Activity*To meet current business challenges and as part of IMC's drive to be the industry's low-cost producer, IMC announced the Program in January 2003.  This Program eliminated 53 positions in IMC Phosphates, all of which had left IMC Phosphates by March 31, 2003,and will focus on reducing additional costs through efficiency improvements.  IMC Phosphates incurred charges of $2.4 million during the first quarter of 2003 associated with severance and related costs for the Program.  During the fourth quarter of 2003,IMC Phosphates recognized an additional $0.3 million of charges for severance and related expenses as a result of the sale of Port Sutton.  This activity resulted in the elimination of 29 positions.  All of the employees had left IMC Phosphates by December31, 2003.

In early 2003, IMC announced a new multi-year ****program called Business Process Improvement.  This broad-based re-engineering initiative was intended to increase efficiency, reduce costs and enhance revenues through redesign and optimization of corebusiness processes.  The focus of Business Process Improvement has been three primary areas: (i) Operational Excellence; (ii) Strategic Procurement; and (iii) Supply/Demand Optimization.  These three areas have included productivity improvement andefficiencies in manufacturing; cost reduction and cost avoidance in procurement; optimization of profitability in sales and marketing; and efficiency improvements and cost reduction in freight and warehousing.  Implementation of this major initiative is beingcompleted through teams and other full-time resources that are dedicated to process redesign throughout IMC.  Examples of specific projects associated with this initiative are: (i) the design and implementation of a new preventive and predictive maintenanceprogram to reduce unnecessary costs associated with emergency repairs in the operations; and (ii) an inventory optimization program designed to reduce the working capital necessary to support customer service.  In 2003, IMC Phosphates estimated benefits of $3.2million from the Business Process Improvement initiative. 

In the first quarter of 2001, IMC announced the Reorganization Plan designed to fully maximize IMC's global leadership position in phosphate crop nutrients as well as animal feed ingredients while reducing costs, streamlining the organization and improvingproductivity.  The Reorganization Plan was primarily comprised of a shift to a more functional organization structure, which resulted in business unit and corporate headcount reductions. As a result, in the first quarter of 2001 IMC Phosphates recorded arestructuring charge of $2.8 million.  A total of 62 employees were terminated and left IMC Phosphates prior to December 31, 2001.  Substantially all of the severance payments had been disbursed as of December 31, 2002.

As part of IMC's 1998 plan to improve profitability (Project Profit), IMC Phosphates had sold its urea plant to a third party (Buyer).  The effective operation of this plant was dependent upon receiving services from IMC Phosphates' remaining Louisianaoperations.  The Louisiana operations were idled for the first half of 2001, which impacted the ability of the urea plant to operate.  In the third quarter of 2001, IMC Phosphates repurchased the plant from the Buyer and shut the plant downpermanently.  Total costs to repurchase the plant and accrue for demolition costs were $6.4 million, which resulted in a 2001 restructuring charge.  This activity was recorded in the third quarter of 2001 as an increase to the restructuring chargepreviously recorded for Project Profit.

*Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits*Based on market data, MP Co. believes that an average expected long-term return of 8.5 percent for measuring benefit obligations is consistent with the weighted average historical returns of each asset class in MP Co.'s targeted asset allocation.  Based onthe latest actuarial valuation report, MP Co. will need to make a cash contribution of $24.9 million to the pension plans in 2004 compared to $0.2 million in 2003.  See Note 9 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II,Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

**CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES**

IMC Phosphates records accrued liabilities for various asset retirement obligations and the demolition of former operating facilities.  As of December 31, 2003, the balances of these accrued liabilities were $143.9 million and $18.8 million,respectively.  The estimation processes used to determine the amounts of these accrued liabilities are very complex and use information obtained from IMC Phosphates-specific and industry data, as well as general economic information.  These estimationprocesses require IMC Phosphates to continuously monitor and evaluate the reasonableness of the judgments made and adjust for changes in assumptions as they occur.  Actual costs for the above matters could differ from those estimated.  On January 1, 2003,IMC Phosphates began accounting for its asset retirement obligations under SFAS No. 143.  See Note 4 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," of this Annual Reporton Form 10-K.

**CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY**

Historically, IMC Phosphates has satisfied its borrowing needs through IMC.  IMC Phosphates has two promissory notes (Promissory Notes) payable to IMC for borrowings up to $400.0 million and $65.0 million.  The $400.0 million and $65.0 million demandnotes have variable rates, based on LIBOR plus the applicable margin as defined in the senior secured facilities entered into by IMC on May 17, 2001 (Credit Facility), which was 5.1875 percent as of December 31, 2003.  IMC Phosphates also had a promissory notepayable to IMC at September 30, 2003 with a principal amount of $4.8 million.  This note was paid in full at December 31, 2003.   In order to meet the ongoing liquidity needs of IMC Phosphates, on September 1, 2003 the $400.0 million promissory notewas amended to increase the maximum amount available from $300.0 million to $400.0 million.  All other terms remained unchanged.  IMC Phosphates had borrowed $249.5 million and $65.0 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2003.  IMC has advised IMCPhosphates that it does not intend to demand payment on the Promissory Notes prior to January 1, 2005; however, IMC has entered into discussions with IMC Phosphates contemplating a revision to the terms of the loans from IMC to IMC Phosphates, including the interestrate, if warranted.  The Promissory Notes evidencing the obligations to IMC have been classified as long-term.

IMC's ability to make payments on and to refinance its indebtedness and to fund planned capital expenditures and expansion efforts in the future, if any, will depend on IMC's ability to generate cash in the future.  This, to a certain extent, is subject togeneral economic, financial, competitive and other factors that are beyond IMC's control.  IMC believes that its cash, other liquid assets and operating cash flow, together with available borrowings and potential access to credit and capital markets, will besufficient to meet IMC's operating expenses and capital expenditures and to service its debt requirements and other contractual obligations as they become due.

IMC's credit facilities require it to maintain certain financial ratios, including a leverage ratio test and an interest coverage test.  In addition, the credit facilities contain certain covenants and events of default.  Most of IMC's various materialdebt instruments have cross-default provisions.  In general, pursuant to these provisions, the instruments governing such debt arrangements each provide that a failure to pay principal or interest under other indebtedness in excess of a specified thresholdamount will result in a cross-default.  Of IMC's material debt instruments, the Credit Facility has the lowest specified threshold amount, $20.0 million.  IMC's access to funds is dependent upon its product prices, input costs and market conditions. During periods in which product prices or volumes; raw material prices or availability; or other conditions reflect the adverse impact of cyclical market trends or other factors; there can be no assurance that IMC would be able to comply with applicable financial covenants or meet its liquidity needs.IMC cannot assure that its business will generate sufficient cash flow from operations in the future; that its currently anticipated growth in net sales and cash flow will be realized; or that future borrowings will be available when needed or in an amount sufficientto enable IMC to repay indebtedness or to fund other liquidity needs.   

IMC is seeking to obtain certain amendments to the Credit Facility,primarily to amend a requirement that IMC  refinance the remaining approximately $37.0 million of senior notes scheduled tomature in 2005 (2005 Senior Notes) prior to October 15, 2004, and also, amongother things, to modify financial ratio covenant levels for 2004.  In 2003, IMC refinanced approximately $413.0 million of the$450.0 million 2005 Senior Notes then outstanding. Absent an amendment, should the remainder of the 2005 Senior Notes not be refinanced in full prior to October 15,2004, the Credit Facility would mature on October 15, 2004.  IMC is seeking the ability to repay approximately $10.0 million of the 2005 Senior Notes at maturity in January 2005 and to extend the date by which it must refinance the remaining balance of the 2005Senior Notes to March 2005.  In order to obtain the amendment pertaining specifically to the extension of the maturity date, IMC must obtain unanimous consent from the participants in the Credit Facility. The other amendments, includingthe modifying of covenantlevels, require only a majority vote of the participants in the Credit Facility.

There can be no assurance that IMC will be able to obtain any necessary waivers or amendments from the requisite lenders.  Any failure to comply with the restrictions of the credit facilities or any agreement governing its indebtedness may result in an eventof default under those agreements.  Such default may allow the creditors to accelerate the related debt, which may trigger cross-acceleration or cross-default provisions in other debt.  In addition, lenders may be able to terminate any commitments they hadmade to supply IMC with further funds (including periodic rollovers of existing borrowings).  IMC has been in compliance with all of its debt and other covenants during all periods presented.  No waivers have been necessary.

IMC Phosphates' ability to generate cash is dependent on its operations and borrowings from IMC.  Operating activities provided $24.0 million of cash in 2003 compared with $85.2 million of cash provided by operating activities in 2002. The decrease of $61.2million was primarily due to a decrease in operating earnings.

Net cash used by investing activities decreased $56.5 million from $110.6 million in 2002 to $54.1 million in 2003. This decrease was primarily a result of: (i) decreased capital expenditures; (ii) the absence of a $10.0 million investment in Gulf Services in2002; and (iii) $20.9 million of net proceeds from the sale of Port Sutton.  See Note 3of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," of this Annual Report on Form 10-Kfor a discussion of the sale of Port Sutton.

Net cash provided by financing activities in 2003 was $30.6 million, which increased by $6.0 million from $24.6 million in 2002.  This change was primarily the result of higher incremental working capital borrowings from IMC, partially offset by repayments oflong-term debt.

IMC Phosphates has historically relied on borrowings from IMC as a principal source of liquidity.  Pursuant to the Credit Facility, IMC and certain of its domestic subsidiaries, including IMC Phosphates, may borrow up to approximately $470.0 million. The Credit Facility consists of a revolving credit facility (Revolving Credit Facility) of up to $210.0 million available for revolving credit loans and letters of credit as well as a term loan facility (Term Loan Facility) of $258.3 million. 

The Credit Facility requires IMC to meet certain financial tests, including but not limited to, a maximum total leverage ratio, a maximum secured leverage ratio, a minimum interest coverage ratio and a maximum ratio of the sum of certain secured obligations as ofany date to the collateral coverage amount (as defined in the Credit Facility). In addition, the Credit Facility contains certain covenants, including limitations on the payment of dividends, and events of default.

The Credit Facility is guaranteed by substantially all of IMC's direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries, including PLP and IMC Phosphates, as well as by certain direct and indirect foreign subsidiaries.  The Credit Facility is secured by: (i) a pledge ofcertain equity interests and intercompany debt held by IMC and the subsidiary guarantors in their subsidiaries; (ii) a security interest in accounts receivable and inventory; and (iii) mortgages on certain of IMC's potash mining and production facilities, with a netbook value of $290.2 million as of December 31, 2003.  The guarantees by PLP and IMC Phosphates are limited by the amount of existing intercompany debt owed by such entities to IMC and its other subsidiaries.  Any payment under such guarantees wouldconstitute a corresponding repayment of such intercompany debt.

As of December 31, 2003, IMC had no outstanding borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility, outstanding letters of credit totaling $82.4 million, $1.5 million of which do not reduce availability under the Revolving Credit Facility, and $258.3 millionoutstanding under the Term Loan Facility.  The net available additional borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility as of December 31, 2003, were approximately $129.1 million.

Most of IMC's sales of potash into and from the U.S. are made through a subsidiary, IMC USA Inc. LLC (IMC USA).  In May 2003, IMC USA entered into a five year $55.0 million revolving credit facility (Potash Facility) where it may borrow up to a maximum of$52.5 million subject to a borrowing base calculation based on eligible inventory and accounts receivable. Borrowings under the Potash Facility bear an interest rate of LIBOR plus a spread (initially 275 basis points), and are secured by IMC USA's accounts receivableand inventory.  The Potash Facility is available for the general corporate purposes of IMC USA. Borrowings under the Potash Facility are guaranteed on an unsecured basis by IMC USA Holdings Inc., a subsidiary of IMC and the parent of IMC USA. Neither IMC, norany other subsidiary is a guarantor for the borrowings under the Potash Facility. As of December 31, 2003, the Potash Facility had a borrowing base that could support borrowings up to $31.3 million, of which IMC USA had full availability.

In June 2003, IMC sold 2.75 million shares of 7.5 percent Mandatory Convertible Preferred Shares (liquidation preference $50 per share) (Preferred Shares) for net proceeds of $133.1 million.  The Preferred Shares have a dividend yield of 7.5 percent, a 22percent conversion premium (for an equivalent conversion price of $7.76 per common share) and will mandatorily convert into shares of IMC's common stock on July 1, 2006.  The net proceeds of the offering were used for general corporate purposes, which includedfunding working capital and debt reduction.  The number of common shares that could be issued upon conversion of the 2.75 million Preferred Shares ranges from approximately 17.7 million shares to 21.6 million shares, based upon the average market price of IMC'scommon stock. 

IMC's Board of Directors did not declare a dividend on IMC's common stock for the quarter ended December 31, 2003.  This action was the result of IMC's commitment to cash flow enhancement and balance sheet improvement.

On August 1, 2003 IMC issued $400.0 million principal amount of new 10.875 percent Notes due 2013 with net proceeds before fees and expenses of $391.1 million (August Note Offering). The proceeds of the August Note Offering, together with $59.4 million of proceedsfrom the Preferred Shares, were used to: (i) repurchase $140.4 million of the 6.55 percent notes due 2005 and $273.1 million of the 7.625 percent notes due 2005 pursuant to tender offers (Tender Offers) completed on August 1, 2003; (ii) pay $23.3 million of tenderpremiums related to the Tender Offers; (iii) pay $5.6 million of accrued interest related to the repurchased bonds; and (iv) pay related fees and expenses.  The 10.875 percent notes due 2013 contain covenants similar to and rank pari pasu with IMC's 10.875percent notes due 2008 and the 11.25 percent notes due 2011 (collectively the Notes) and are guaranteed by the same subsidiaries of IMC, including PLP and IMC Phosphates, that guarantee the 10.875 percent notes due 2008 and 11.25 percent notes due 2011.  Theguarantees by PLP and IMC Phosphates are limited by the amount of intercompany debt owed by IMC Phosphates and PLP to IMC and its other subsidiaries. The Notes contain certain covenants that limit matters including the making of restricted payments, as defined. Underthe most restrictive of the covenants limiting restricted payments, as of December 31, 2003, IMC had $22.2 million available for the payment of cash dividends with respect to its common and preferred stock. In addition, the merger agreement with Cargill limitsdividends on IMC's common and preferred stock to regular quarterly cash dividends of $0.02 per share and $0.9375 per share, respectively.

For additional information on financing arrangements, reference is made to Note 8 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations
The following information summarizes IMC Phosphates' contractual obligations and other commercial commitments as of December 31, 2003, excluding the Promissory Notes to IMC.

 

  

*Payments by Period*

 *(in millions)*

* Total*

* *

*2004*

*2005-2006*

*2007-2008*

*After 2008*

Long-term debt

$  40.7

 

$    4.0

$        5.8

$        3.1

$  27.8

Estimated interest paymentsa

41.8

 

3.1

5.0

4.4

29.3

Operating leases

57.7

 

14.3

21.2

12.5

9.7

Unconditional purchase obligationsb

850.3

 

411.8

257.1

69.8

111.6

    Total contractual cash obligations

$990.5

 

$433.2

$289.1

$   89.8

$178.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

a Based on interest rates and non-affiliated debt balances as of December 31, 2003.b Based on prevailing market prices as of December 31, 2003.

IMC Phosphates has $119.8 million of non-current liabilities for reclamation activities, Gypstack closure and water treatment in its Florida and Louisiana operations, where to obtain necessary permits, it must either pass a test of financial strength or providecredit support, typically surety bonds or financial guarantees.  As of December 31, 2003 IMC Phosphates had $84.4 million in surety bonds outstanding which mature over the course of 2004, and met the financial strength test for the remaining portion of suchadditional liabilities. In connection with the outstanding surety bonds, IMC Phosphates, through IMC, has posted $40.0 million of collateral in the form of letters of credit. There can be no assurance that IMC Phosphates can continue to pass such tests of financialstrength or to purchase surety bonds on the same terms and conditions.  However, IMC Phosphates anticipates that it will be able to satisfy applicable credit support requirements without disrupting normal business operations. 

In addition, IMC Phosphates has granted a mortgage on approximately 22,000 previously mined acres of land in Florida with a net book value of approximately $14.0 million as security for certain reclamation costs in the event that an option granted to a third partyto purchase the mortgaged land is not exercised.

The State of Florida has begun formulating new financial assurance rules for closure and long-term care of Gypstacks.  Such rules likely will become effective in 2004 and are expected to include more stringent financial tests than the current rules,along with requirements that closure cost estimates include the cost of treating Gypstack water.  Until definitive regulations or interpretations have been finalized, IMC Phosphates is unable to determine the nature of the new financial assuranceobligations or to predict with certainty the financial impact of these requirements on IMC Phosphates; however, these impacts could be significant.  IMC Phosphates currently recognizes both Gypstack closure costs and Gypstack water treatment costs as liabilitiesin accordance with SFAS No.143. 

Most of IMC Phosphates' export sales of phosphate crop nutrients are marketed through PhosChem.  As a member, IMC Phosphates is, subject to certain conditions and exceptions, contractually obligated to reimburse PhosChem for its pro rata share of anyoperating expenses or other liabilities incurred.  The reimbursements are made through reductions to members' cash receipts from PhosChem. 

**CONTINGENCIES**

Reference is made to Note 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

**ENVIRONMENTAL**

Reference is made to ***Other Matters*** - **Environmental, Health and Safety Matters**, ****in Part I, Item 1, "Business," of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

**FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS**

All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained within this Form 10-K, constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  In particular, forward-looking statements mayinclude words such as "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "may," "should," "could" or "estimate."  These statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from expectations as of the date of this Form 10-K.

Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the following: general business and economic conditions and governmental policies affecting theagricultural industry in localities where IMC Phosphates or its customers operate; weather conditions; the terms and interest rates on debt of IMC Phosphates; the willingness of IMC to continue to loan funds to IMC Phosphates; the impact of competitive products;pressure on prices realized by IMC Phosphates for its products; constraints on supplies of raw materials used in manufacturing certain of IMC Phosphates' products; capacity constraints limiting the production of certain products; difficulties or delays in thedevelopment, production, testing and marketing of products; difficulties or delays in receiving, or increased costs of obtaining or satisfying conditions of, required governmental and regulatory approvals; market acceptance issues, including the failure of productsto generate anticipated sales levels; the effects of and change in trade, monetary, environmental and fiscal policies, laws and regulations; foreign exchange rates and fluctuations in those rates; the costs and effects of legal proceedings, including environmentaland administrative proceedings involving IMC Phosphates; success in implementing IMC Phosphates' various initiatives; the uncertain effects upon the global and domestic economies and financial markets of the terrorist attacks in New York City and Washington, D.C. onSeptember 11, 2001 and their aftermaths; and other risk factors reported from time to time in IMC Phosphates' Securities and Exchange Commission reports.  These factors are based upon IMC's strategic plans and direction under its current Board of Directors andmanagement.  As described previously, IMC has entered into a business combination agreement with Cargill.  If the transactions contemplated thereby are consummated, IMC's business would be operated by a newly-formed public company going forward.  TheBoard of Directors and management of the new public company may not be the same as exists on the date hereof for IMC, and they may operate the business of IMC in a manner that differs from IMC's current operations.  The factors listed above do not account forany such possible change in IMC's operations.  

Item 7A.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk. ****

IMC Phosphates is exposed to the impact of interest rate changes on borrowings and the impact of fluctuations in the purchase price of natural gas, ammonia and sulphur consumed in operations, as well as changes in the market value of its financialinstruments.  IMC Phosphates periodically enters into natural gas forward purchase contracts with maturities of typically one year or less to reduce the risk related to significant price changes in natural gas, but not for trading purposes. IMC Phosphates hadnatural gas forward purchase contracts with notional amounts of $47.6 million and $13.7 million outstanding as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively, with the contracts outstanding as of December 31, 2003 maturing in various months through March 2005.  Asof December 31, 2003, the total unrealized gain on these contracts was $3.6 million.  As of December 31, 2002, the total unrealized gain on these contracts was $4.4 million.  The average price of these contracts was $5.12 per MMBTU and $3.49 per MMBTU as ofDecember 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

IMC Phosphates conducted sensitivity analyses of certain financial instruments assuming a one percentage point adverse change in interest rates on outstanding borrowings as of December 31, 2003.  Holding all other variables constant, the hypothetical adversechanges would increase IMC Phosphates' interest expense by $3.1 million for 2004.  These analyses did not consider the effects of the reduced level of economic activity that could exist in such an environment.  Further, in the event of a one percentagepoint adverse change in interest rates, management would likely take actions to further mitigate its exposure to possible changes.  However, due to the uncertainty of the specific actions that would be taken and their possible effects, the sensitivity analysesassumed no changes in IMC Phosphates' financial structure.

Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
* *
* *

*Page*

 
Report of Independent Auditors

21
 
Consolidated Statement of Operations

22
 
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Partners' Capital

22
 
Consolidated Balance Sheet

23
 
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

24
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

25
 
Quarterly Financial Information

43

 

**REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS**

To the Partners of IMC Phosphates Company:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of IMC Phosphates Company (a Partnership) as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in partners' capital and cash flows for each of the three yearsin the period ended December 31, 2003.  These financial statements are the responsibility of IMC Phosphates Company's management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. 

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States.  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of materialmisstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management as wellas evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. 

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of IMC Phosphates Company as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flowsfor each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2003, in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

In 2003, as discussed in Note 4, IMC Phosphates ****changed its method of accounting for asset retirement obligations to conform ****to Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Statement No. 143. ****In 2001, as discussed in Note 2 to the financial statements, IMC Phosphates changed its method of accounting for derivative financial instruments to conform with FASB No. 133. 

Ernst & Young LLP

Ernst & Young LLPChicago, IllinoisJanuary 30, 2004, except for Note 13,as to which the date is March 1, 2004
 
**Consolidated Statement of Operations******  (In millions)

*Year ended December 31                         *

* *

*2003*

*2002*

*2001*

Net sales (including $52.9, $49.5 and $53.1 to IMC Global Inc. in   2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively)

 $ 1,335.7 

 $ 1,257.3

 $ 1,171.4 

Cost of goods sold (including $218.5, $227.6 and $209.4 of charges   and raw materials purchased from IMC Global Inc. in 2003, 2002   and 2001, respectively)

 1,360.8 

 1,178.2

 1,163.6 

       Gross margins

(25.1)

79.1

7.8 

Selling, general and administrative expenses (including $29.8, $30.8   and $30.4 of charges from IMC Global Inc. in 2003, 2002 and   2001, respectively)

 41.3 

 43.4

 42.4 

Gain on sale of operating assets

(13.9)

-

- 

Restructuring activity

2.7 

-

9.2 

Operating earnings (loss)

(55.2)

35.7

(43.8)

Interest expense (including $18.5, $15.2 and $16.5 of interest charges from IMC Global Inc. in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively)

 21.8 

 18.3

 19.9 

Other (income) expense, net

(6.1)

1.4

8.4 

Earnings (loss) before cumulative effect of a change in   accounting principle

 (70.9)

 16.0

 (72.1)

Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

(32.7)

-

- 

Earnings (loss)

$  (103.6)

$     16.0

$   (72.1)

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

**Consolidated Statement of Changes in Partners' Capital******(In millions)

*Year ended December 31                                    *

* *

*2003*
*2002*

*2001*

Balance at January 1

$   907.6 

$   889.7 

$ 1,002.2 

Earnings (loss)

(103.6)

16.0 

(72.1)

Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle (Note 2)

- 

- 

1.6 

Foreign currency translation adjustment

0.3 

- 

- 

Net unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments

(0.8)

11.9 

(9.1)

    Total comprehensive income (loss)

(104.1)

27.9 

(79.6)

Distributions

- 

(10.0)

(32.9)

Balance as of December 31 (including Accumulated other   comprehensive income of $3.9 million in 2003 and $4.4  million in 2002 and a loss of $7.5 million in 2001).

 $   803.5 

 $   907.6 

 $    889.7 

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

**Consolidated Balance Sheet**(In millions)

*December 31                   *

*** ***

*2003*

*2002*

**Assets**

 
 

*Current assets:*

 

    Cash and cash equivalents

$       0.6

$       0.1

    Receivables, net

123.3

100.8

    Inventories, net

225.9

244.3

    Other current assets

9.4

8.1

        Total current assets

359.2

353.3

Property, plant and equipment, net

1,390.7

1,399.1

Due from Partners, net

9.4

9.7

Other assets

49.8

56.3

Total assets

$1,809.1

$1,818.4

**Liabilities and Partners' Capital**

 
 

*Current liabilities:*

* *

    Accounts payable

$   161.9

$   119.7

    Accrued liabilities

54.3

64.5

    Due to Partners, net

160.8

158.3

    Current maturities of long-term debt (including $0.0 and $9.5 due to      IMC Global Inc. as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively)

 4.0

 13.7

        Total current liabilities

381.0

356.2

Long-term debt, less current maturities

351.2

310.8

Due to Partners, net

132.8

126.5

Other noncurrent liabilities

140.6

117.3

Partners' capital

803.5

907.6

Total liabilities and partners' capital

$1,809.1

$1,818.4

** **

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

**Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows******(In millions)

*Year ended December 31                           *

* *

*2003*

*2002*

*2001*

**Cash Flows from Operating Activities**

 

 

 

Earnings (loss)

$  (103.6)

$    16.0 

$   (72.1)

Adjustments to reconcile earnings (loss) to net cash provided by (used in)   operating activities:

 

 

 

     Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

32.7 

- 

- 

     Depreciation, depletion and amortization

96.6 

93.2 

78.1 

     Gain on sale of operating assets

(13.9)

- 

- 

     Other charges

27.2 

10.0 

3.5

     Other credits

(7.2)

(9.7)

(15.0)

*     Changes in:*

 

 

 

         Receivables, net

(22.4)

38.1 

(124.5)

         Inventories, net

18.1 

(66.1)

42.9 

         Other current assets

(2.6)

(3.5)

1.5 

         Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

(3.4)

10.1 

(44.6)

         Due to Partners, net

2.5 

(2.9)

5.1 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

24.0 

85.2 

(125.1)

**Cash Flows from Investing Activities**

 

 

 

Capital expenditures

(75.5)

(102.1)

(81.8)

Investment in joint venture

- 

(10.0)

- 

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

21.4 

1.5 

1.0 

Net cash used by investing activities

(54.1)

(110.6)

(80.8)

**Cash Flows from Financing Activities**

** **

** **

** **

Proceeds from IMC Global Inc. Promissory Notes, net

44.6 

34.8 

210.2 

Payments of long-term debt (including $9.5 paid to IMC Global Inc.      in 2003, 2002 and 2001)

 (14.0)

 (10.2)

 (10.4)

Net cash provided by financing activities

30.6 

24.6 

199.8 

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

0.5 

(0.8)

(6.1)

Cash and cash equivalents-beginning of year

0.1 

0.9 

7.0 

Cash and cash equivalents-end of year

$       0.6 

$      0.1 

$        0.9 

*Supplemental cash flow disclosure:*

 

 

 

Interest paid (including $13.6, $15.2 and $16.5 paid to IMC Global Inc.     in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively)

 $     16.8 

 $    18.3 

 $     20.1 

*Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities:*

 

 

 

Seller financed mineral properties purchase

$          - 

$      9.1 

$     15.0 

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
****
**  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**(Dollars in millions, except as otherwise indicated)

1.     BASIS OF PRESENTATION

On July 1, 1993, IMC Global Inc. (IMC) entered into a joint venture partnership with Phosphate Resource Partners Limited Partnership (PLP), pursuant to which IMC and PLP contributed their respective phosphate businesses at net book value to create IMC PhosphatesCompany (IMC Phosphates), a Delaware general partnership. PRP-GP LLC (PRP), which is a wholly owned subsidiary of IMC, is the managing general partner and 51.58 percent owner of PLP.  FMRP Inc., which is also a wholly owned subsidiary of IMC, owns 0.02 percentof PLP.  The activities of IMC Phosphates include the mining and sale of phosphate rock, as well as the production, distribution and sale of concentrated phosphates, animal feed ingredients and related products.  IMC Phosphates operates in one businesssegment.

The managing partner of IMC Phosphates is IMC Phosphates MP Inc. (MP Co.), which is jointly owned by IMC and PLP and, through a management agreement, operates the business and affairs of IMC Phosphates.  IMC Phosphates pays to MP Co. an annual fee(Administrative Fee) intended to compensate MP Co. for selling and administrative services provided by IMC and its affiliates and charged through MP Co. to IMC Phosphates.  For the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, the Administrative Fee totaled$28.1 million, $27.7 million and $27.1 million, respectively, all of which was paid to MP Co. and subsequently remitted to IMC.

On a quarterly basis, IMC Phosphates calculates cash distributable to IMC and PLP based on formulas and sharing ratios as defined in the IMC Phosphates Partnership Agreement (Partnership Agreement).  Sharing ratios for all IMC Phosphates' operations are fixedat 58.5 percent to IMC and 41.5 percent to PLP.  The distributable cash (as defined in the Partnership Agreement) calculated was $22.8 million, $10.0 million, and zero for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

2.     ACCOUNTING POLICIES

*Basis of Consolidation*The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of IMC Phosphates and all subsidiaries which are more than 50 percent owned and controlled.  All significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation. 

*Use of Estimates*Management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

*Revenue Recognition*Revenue is recognized by IMC Phosphates upon the transfer of title to the customer, which is generally at the time product is shipped.  For certain export shipments, transfer of title occurs outside of the United States (U.S.).  

*Shipping and Handling Costs*IMC Phosphates records all shipping and handling costs in Cost of goods sold.

*Cost of Goods Sold*Cost of goods sold reflects the production costs of IMC Phosphates' products.  These costs include hourly labor, production materials, facilities costs (depreciation and amortization), depletion of mineral properties, utilities, salary supervision,maintenance expenses and distribution costs.

*Selling, General and Administrative Expenses*Selling, general and administrative expenses are costs associated with the marketing and selling of IMC Phosphates' products as well as general and administrative expenses.  These costs include employee salaries and benefits, advertising costs as well asother selling expenses, and are primarily included as part of the Administrative Fee.

*Cash Equivalents*IMC Phosphates considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity date of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

*Concentration of Credit Risk*Domestically, IMC Phosphates sells its products to crop nutrient manufacturers, distributors and retailers primarily in the midwestern and southeastern U.S.  Internationally, IMC Phosphates' products are sold primarily through Phosphate Chemicals ExportAssociation (PhosChem).  No single customer or group of affiliated customers accounted for more than ten percent of IMC Phosphates' net sales in either year during the two-year period ended December 31, 2002.  In the year ended December 31, 2003, sales tothe China National Agricultural Means of Production Group Corporation (CNAMPGC), through PhosChem, represented approximately 12 percent of IMC Phosphates' total sales.

*Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts*Accounts receivable are recorded at face amount less an allowance for doubtful accounts.  On a regular basis, IMC Phosphates evaluates its accounts receivable as well as establishes the allowance for doubtful accounts based on a combination of specificcustomer circumstances and credit conditions and a history of write-offs and collections.  A receivable is considered past due if payments have not been received within agreed upon invoice terms.

*Inventories*Inventories are valued at the lower-of-cost-or-market (net realizable value).  Cost for substantially all inventories is determined on a cumulative annual average cost basis.

*Property, Plant and Equipment*Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost.  Expenditures for replacements and improvements are capitalized; maintenance and repair expenditures, except for repair and maintenance overhauls (Turnarounds), are charged to operations when incurred. Expenditures for Turnarounds are deferred when incurred and amortized into Cost of goods sold on a straight-line basis, generally over an 18-month period.  Turnarounds are large-scale maintenance projects that are performed regularly, usually every 18 to 24months.  Turnarounds are necessary to maintain the operating capacity and efficiency rates of the production plants.  The deferred portion of the Turnaround expenditures is classified in Other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.  The types ofturnaround costs capitalized primarily include third party costs for maintenance materials, contract maintenance labor and catalyst.  IMC Phosphates capitalized $27.6 million, $26.7 million and $19.1 million of costs for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002and 2001, respectively, and amortized into Cost of goods sold $27.7 million, $25.7 million and $18.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants has issued a Statement of Position exposure draft (SOP) on cost capitalization that is expected to require companies to expense the non-capital portion of major maintenance costs as incurred.  The SOP isexpected to require that any existing unamortized deferred non-capital major maintenance costs be expensed immediately.  The SOP indicated that this change will be required to be adopted for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2004, and that the effect ofexpensing existing unamortized deferred non-capital major maintenance costs will be reported as a cumulative effect of an accounting change in the consolidated statement of operations.  IMC Phosphates had $24.2 ****million and $24.3 ****million ofturnaround costs deferred and included in Other assets as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.  IMC Phosphates has not determined the amount, if any, of these costs that could be capitalized under the provisions of the SOP.

Depreciation and depletion expenses for mining operations, including mineral deposits, are determined using the units-of-production method based on estimates of recoverable reserves.  Other asset classes or groups are depreciated or amortized on astraight-line basis over their estimated useful lives as follows: buildings, 17 to 32 years; machinery and equipment, three to 25 years.

Using the methodology prescribed in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 144*, Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets,*****IMC Phosphates reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstancesindicate the carrying amounts of such assets may not be recoverable.  Once an indication of a potential impairment exists, recoverability of the respective assets is determined by comparing the forecasted undiscounted net cash flows of the operation to which theassets relate, to the carrying amount of such operation.  If the operation is determined to be unable to recover the carrying amount of its assets, then long-lived assets of the operation are written down to fair value.  Fair value is determined based ondiscounted cash flows or appraised values, depending upon the nature of the assets.

*Accrued Environmental Costs*IMC Phosphates produces and distributes crop and animal nutrients. These activities subject IMC Phosphates to an evolving myriad of international, federal, state, provincial and local environmental, health and safety laws, which regulate, or propose toregulate:  (i) conduct of mining and production operations, including employee safety procedures; (ii) condition of IMC Phosphates' facilities; (iii) management and handling of raw materials; (iv) product content; (v) use of products by both IMC Phosphates andits customers; (vi) management and/or remediation of potential impacts to air, water quality and soil from IMC Phosphates' operations; (vii) disposal of waste materials;  and (viii) reclamation of lands after mining.  IMC Phosphates has contingentenvironmental liabilities that arise principally from three sources: (i) facilities currently or formerly owned by IMC Phosphates or its predecessors; (ii) facilities adjacent to currently or formerly owned facilities; and (iii) third-party ComprehensiveEnvironmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (Superfund) or state equivalent sites.  The historical use and handling of regulated chemical substances, crop and animal nutrients and additives as well as by-product or process tailings have resulted insoil and groundwater contamination, requiring IMC Phosphates to undertake or fund cleanup efforts. 

The environmental costs discussed above include: fines, penalties and certain corrective actions to address violations of the law; remediation of properties that are currently or were formerly owned or operated by IMC Phosphates, or its predecessors; remediationcosts of facilities adjacent to currently or formerly owned facilities or for third-party Superfund sites; and legal fees and expenses associated with resolution of administrative processes or litigation concerning these environmental costs.  Environmentalaccruals are recorded for environmental investigatory and non-capital remediation costs and for costs associated with litigation at identified sites when litigation has commenced or a claim or assessment has been asserted or is imminent, the likelihood of anunfavorable outcome is probable and the financial impact of such outcome is reasonably estimable.   These accruals are adjusted as necessary for any changes in IMC Phosphates' estimates of the future costs associated with these matters.  IMC Phosphatescannot determine the cost of any remedial action that ultimately may be required at unknown sites, sites for which investigations have not been performed or have begun but have not been completed or sites at which unanticipated conditions are discovered.

*Income Taxes*IMC Phosphates' operating results are included in the income tax returns of IMC and the unitholders of PLP.  Accordingly, no provision for income taxes is included in the accompanying financial statements.

*Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities*IMC Phosphates is exposed to the impact of interest rate changes on borrowings and the impact of fluctuations in the purchase price of natural gas, ammonia and sulphur consumed in operations, as well as changes in the market value of its financialinstruments.  IMC Phosphates periodically enters into derivatives in order to minimize the effects of changing natural gas prices, but not for trading purposes.

On January 1, 2001, IMC Phosphates adopted SFAS No. 133,*Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, as amended*.  In accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 133, IMC Phosphates recorded a transition adjustment upon adoption of SFAS No.133 to record its derivative instruments at fair value. The effect of this transition adjustment resulted in a gain of $1.6 million recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss, which is included in the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Partners'Capital.  IMC Phosphates recognized all of the unrealized gains associated with this transition adjustment during the first quarter of 2001.

IMC Phosphates uses financial instruments, including forward exchange, option, futures and swap contracts, to manage its exposure to movements in commodity prices. The use of these financial instruments modifies the exposure of these risks with the intent toreduce the risk and variability to IMC Phosphates.  Initially, upon adoption of SFAS No. 133, and prospectively, on the date a derivative contract is entered into, IMC Phosphates designates the derivative as either: (i) a hedge of a recognized asset or liabilityor an unrecognized firm commitment (fair value hedge); (ii) a hedge of a forecasted transaction or of the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (cash flow hedge); or (iii) as a natural hedging instrument whosechange in fair value is recognized to act as an economic hedge against changes in the values of the hedged item (natural hedge).  IMC Phosphates formally documents its hedge relationships, including identification of the hedging instruments and the hedged items,as well as its risk management objectives and strategies for undertaking the hedge transaction.  IMC Phosphates also formally assesses, both at inception and at least quarterly thereafter, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions areeffective in offsetting changes in either the fair value or cash flows of the hedged item. When it is determined that a derivative ceases to be an effective hedge, IMC Phosphates discontinues hedge accounting.

IMC Phosphates had $47.6 million and $13.7 million notional amounts of natural gas forward purchase contracts outstanding as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively, with the contracts outstanding as of December 31, 2003 maturing in various months throughMarch 2005.  These derivative financial instruments have been designated as cash flow hedges and are being used to hedge volatility in natural gas prices.  The effective portion of changes in the fair value of IMC Phosphates' cash flow hedges is recorded inAccumulated other comprehensive income.  As of December 31, 2003, IMC Phosphates had unrealized gains totaling $3.6 ****million related to its cash flow hedges all of which are expected to be reclassified into earnings within the next 12 months.  As ofDecember 31, 2002, IMC Phosphates had unrealized gains totaling $4.4 million related to its cash flow hedges.  Unrealized gains or losses included in Accumulated other comprehensive income are recognized in earnings in the same period that the underlying hedgeditem is realized.  The ineffective portion of changes in the fair value of IMC Phosphates' cash flow hedges is reported in Other (income) expense, net and amounted to income of $3.6 ****million in 2003, zero in 2002 and a charge of $3.1 million in 2001.

3.     SALE OF ASSETS

In the fourth quarter of 2003, IMC Phosphates sold its Port Sutton fertilizer and feed warehouse and marine export terminal in East Tampa, Florida (Port Sutton).  IMC Phosphates received gross proceeds of $22.4 million with $20.9 million of cash received and$1.5 million of cash held in an escrow account, which was recorded at net present value.  IMC Phosphates will receive the escrowed amount in equal installments over a four year period if certain conditions as specified in the agreement are met.  IMCPhosphates recorded a gain of $13.9 million.

4.     ACCOUNTING FOR ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS

On January 1, 2003 IMC Phosphates adopted SFAS No. 143, *Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations*.  Under the new rules, legal obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived assets are required to be recognized at their fair value at thetime that the obligations are incurred.  Upon initial recognition of a liability, that cost is capitalized as part of the related long-lived asset and depreciated on a straight-line basis over the remaining estimated useful life of the related asset. Accretion expense in connection with the discounted liability is also recognized over the remaining useful life of the related asset.  Upon adoption, IMC Phosphates had the following legal obligations: (i) as a condition to receive permits for the mining ofphosphate rock reserves, IMC Phosphates must reclaim lands disturbed by mining; (ii) acidic water in the Phosphogypsum stack (Gypstacks) ponds and pores must be treated to neutralize the acidity; and (iii) Gypstacks at IMC Phosphates' Florida and Louisiana facilitiesmust be closed at the end of their useful lives.  The estimated liability for these legal obligations is based on the estimated cost to satisfy the above obligations and then discounted using a credit-adjusted risk-free rate.

The adoption of SFAS No. 143, resulted in an increase in net property, plant and equipment of $17.9 million, recognition of an additional asset retirement obligation liability of $50.6 million, and a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle thatincreased the net loss and reduced Partners' capital by $32.7 million in the first quarter of 2003.

The following is a reconciliation of prior year earnings (loss) between the amounts previously reported by IMC Phosphates and the adjusted amounts that would have been reported if SFAS No. 143 had been applied in prior years.

* *

*Year ended December 31, 2002*

*Year ended December 31, 2001*

Reported earnings (loss)

$  16.0

$ (72.1)

FAS 143 impact

0.2

(2.4)

Adjusted earnings (loss)

$  16.2

$ (74.5)

 

 

 

A reconciliation of IMC Phosphates' liability as of December 31, 2003 is as follows:

* *

*YearendedDecember 31, 2003*

Upon adoption on January 1, 2003

$ 145.5 

Liability incurred

18.7 

Liability settled

(30.2)

Accretion expense

5.5 

Revisions to estimate

4.4 

Ending balance

$ 143.9 

 

 

If SFAS No. 143 had been applied in the prior years, IMC Phosphates' liability would have been $145.5 million, $139.5 million and $134.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively.  Due to the complexity of the calculation, IMCPhosphates was unable to determine the impact of adoption on the Consolidated Statement of Operations for 2003.

5.     RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITY

*2003 Restructuring Charges*To meet current business challenges and as part of IMC's drive to be the industry's low cost producer, IMC announced an organizational restructuring program (Program) in January 2003.  This Program eliminated 53 positions in IMC Phosphates, all of which hadleft IMC Phosphates by March 31, 2003, and is focusing on reducing additional costs through efficiency improvements.  IMC Phosphates incurred charges of $2.4 million during the first quarter of 2003 associated with severance and related costs for theProgram.  In addition, $0.3 million was recorded for severance benefits related to the Port Sutton sale (Note 3). This activity resulted in the elimination of 29 positions.  All of the employees had left IMC Phosphates by December31, 2003.

*2001 Restructuring Charges*In the first quarter of 2001, IMC announced a new organizational structure (Reorganization Plan), primarily comprised of a shift to a more functional organization structure, which resulted in business unit and corporate headcount reductions.  As a result, inthe first quarter of 2001 IMC Phosphates recorded a restructuring charge of $2.8 million.  A total of 62 employees were terminated and left IMC Phosphates prior to December 31, 2001.  Substantially all of the severance payments had been disbursed as ofDecember 31, 2002.

As part of IMC's 1998 plan to improve profitability (Project Profit), IMC Phosphates had sold its urea plant to a third party buyer (Buyer).  The effective operation of this plant was dependent upon receiving services from IMC Phosphates' remaining Louisianaoperations.  The Louisiana operations were idled for the first half of 2001, which impacted the ability of the urea plant to operate.  In the third quarter of 2001, IMC Phosphates repurchased the plant from the Buyer and shut the plant downpermanently.  Total costs to repurchase the plant and accrue for demolition costs were $6.4 million, which resulted in a 2001 restructuring charge.  This activity was recorded in the third quarter of 2001 as an increase to the restructuring chargepreviously recorded for Project Profit. 

*1999 Restructuring Charge*During the fourth quarter of 1999, IMC Phosphates announced and began implementing a rightsizing program  (Rightsizing Program), which was designed to simplify and focus its operations.  The key components of the Rightsizing Program were: (i) theshutdown and permanent closure of the Nichols and Payne Creek facilities resulting from an optimization program to reduce rock and concentrate production costs through higher utilization rates at the lowest-cost facilities; and (ii) headcount reductions. 

Activity related to accruals for the plans discussed above during the period January 1, 2003 to December 31, 2003 was as follows:

* *

*Accrual as of January 1, 2003*

*Non-cash Chargesa*

*Restructuring Charges*

*Cash Paid*

*Accrual as of December 31, 2003*

*Non-employee exit costs:*

 

 

 

 

 

Demolition and closure costs

$  22.2

$   6.8 

$       -

$  (10.2)

$  18.8

*Employee headcount reductions:*

 

 

 

 

 

Severance benefits

1.4

(1.4)

2.7

(2.0)

0.7

   Total

$  23.6

$   5.4 

$   2.7

$  (12.2)

$  19.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

a Represents accretion of the recorded liabilities and adjustments of prior year accruals for closing costs.

*Non-Employee Exit Costs*As a result of the decision to permanently close certain facilities and production operations described above, IMC Phosphates recorded closure costs for demolition activities and incremental environmental land reclamation of the surrounding mined-out areas. All facilities were closed and IMC Phosphates expects all demolition, closure and reclamation activities to be completed by the end of 2014.

*Employee Headcount Reductions*As part of the Reorganization Plan, Rightsizing Program and Project Profit, headcount reductions were implemented throughout IMC Phosphates.  The majority of these reductions were a result of the closing and/or exiting of production operations, as discussedabove.  A total of 1,159 employees were terminated.

The activity related to accruals for IMC Phosphates' restructuring programs during 2002 consisted of a beginning balance of $34.4 million reduced by cash payments of $12.8 million and increased by non-cash charges of $2.0 million.  The activity related toaccruals for IMC Phosphates' restructuring programs during 2001 consisted of a beginning balance of $49.3 million reduced by cash payments of $24.1 million and increased by $9.2 million from the Reorganization Plan and urea plant repurchase.

All restructuring charges were recorded as a separate line item on the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

6.     OTHER (INCOME) EXPENSE, NET

*Yearended December31                           *

* *

*2003*

*2002*

*2001*

Gain on sale of fixed assets

$   (0.7)

$        - 

$   (0.8)

Ineffective natural gas hedges (Note 2)

(3.6)

- 

3.1 

Property tax interest

0.3 

0.5 

0.2 

Interest income

- 

- 

(0.1)

Accounts receivable securitization facility termination fees

- 

- 

2.1 

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiary

(3.3)

(1.7)

- 

Accretion expense on long-term liabilities

0.5 

2.0 

1.5 

PhosChem financing fee

- 

- 

0.9 

Realized foreign currency (gain) loss

0.5 

(0.1)

- 

Miscellaneous other

0.2 

0.7 

1.5 

Other (income) expense, net

$   (6.1)

$    1.4 

$    8.4 

 

 

 

 

7.     DETAIL OF CERTAIN BALANCE SHEET ACCOUNTS

*Receivables:*

* *

*2003*

*2002*

Trade

$ 106.9 

$  99.2 

Non-trade

19.6 

6.4 

 

126.5 

105.6 

*Less:*

 

Allowances

(3.2)

(4.8)

**  ** Receivables, net

$ 123.3 

$ 100.8 

 

 

 

The carrying amount of accounts receivable approximated the estimated fair value of such assets due to their short maturity.

The activity related to IMC Phosphates allowance for doubtful accounts consisted of a beginning balance of $4.8 million increased by $0.2 million of additional provision for doubtful accounts and decreased by the write-off of$1.8 million of receivables.

*Inventories:*

* *

*2003*

*2002*

Products (principally finished)

$    177.2 

$    200.7 

Operating materials and supplies

51.7 

47.0 

 

228.9 

247.7 

*Less:* Allowances

(3.0)

(3.4)

   Inventories, net

$    225.9 

$    244.3 

 

 

 

 

*Property, Plant and Equipment:*

* *

*2003*

*2002*

Land

$      76.1 

$      77.5 

Mineral properties and rights

579.6 

551.0 

Buildings

347.4 

332.2 

Machinery and equipment

1,831.2 

1,818.7 

Construction in progress

41.2 

40.5 

 

2,875.5 

2,819.9 

*Less:* Accumulated depreciation and depletion

(1,484.8)

(1,420.8)

   Property, plant and equipment, net

$ 1,390.7 

$ 1,399.1 

 

 

 

IMC Phosphates had depreciation and depletion expense of$96.6 million, $93.2 million and $78.1 million for 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

As of December 31, 2003, idle facilities of IMC Phosphates included one concentrated phosphate granulation plant, the acid production facilities at another concentrated phosphate plant and a phosphoric acid storage tank at a port facility, all of which will remainclosed until market conditions improve.  The net book value of these facilities totaled $66.2 ****million.  In the opinion of management, the net book value of IMC Phosphates' idle facilities is not in excess of their net realizable values.

*Accrued Liabilities:*

*** ***

*2003*

*2002*

Mining, property and sales & use taxes

$   19.1

$   20.3

Asset retirement obligations

  23.0

19.6

Restructuring (Note 5)

  6.7

10.1

Other

  5.5

14.5

  Accrued liabilities

$   54.3

$   64.5

 

 

 

*Other Noncurrent Liabilities:*

* *

*2003*

*2002*

Asset retirement obligations

$ 120.9

$   88.4

Restructuring (Note 5)

12.8

13.5

Other

6.9

15.4

**  ** Other noncurrent liabilities

$ 140.6

$ 117.3

 

 

 

*Due to Partners, net*

* *

*2003*

*2002*

Due to IMC and affiliates

$    94.4

$   86.6

Due to PLP

  59.0

59.0

Due to MP Co.

  7.4

12.7

** **

$  160.8

$ 158.3

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2003 and 2002, the amounts reported in current liabilities as Due to Partners, net primarily related to distributable cash owed to partners based on IMC Phosphates' distributable cash calculation.  IMC Phosphates believes the amounts as ofDecember 31, 2003 will be paid to partners prior to January 1, 2005, therefore, it is classified as short-term.

As of December 31, 2003 and 2002, the amounts reported in non-current liabilities of $132.8 ****million and $126.5 million, respectively, as Due to Partners, net, related to amounts owed to MP Co. for employee benefits.  MP Co. has no present intention ofdemanding payment prior to January 1, 2005, therefore the balance as of December 31, 2003 has been classified as long-term.

8.     FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS

Long-term debt as of December 31 consisted of the following:

* *

*2003*

*2002*

Promissory Notes payable to IMC, variable interest rates

$   314.5

$   269.8

6.5% Promissory Note payable to IMC, due 2003

-

9.5

7.7% Industrial revenue bonds, due 2022

27.1

27.1

Other debt

13.6

18.1

 

355.2

324.5

*Less:* current maturities

4.0

13.7

Total long-term debt, less current maturities

$   351.2

$   310.8

 

 

 

IMC Phosphates has two promissory notes (Promissory Notes) payable to IMC for borrowings up to $400.0 million and $65.0 million, respectively.  In order to meet the ongoing liquidity needs of IMC Phosphates, on September 1, 2003 the $400.0 million promissorynote was amended to increase the maximum amount available from $300.0 million to $400.0 million.  All other terms remained unchanged.  The $400.0 million and $65.0 million demand notes have variable rates, based on LIBOR plus the applicable margin asdefined in IMC's senior secured credit facility, which was 5.1875 percent as of December 31, 2003.  IMC Phosphates had borrowed $249.5 million and  $65.0 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2003 and $204.8 million and  $65.0 million, respectivelyas of December 31, 2002, under the Promissory Notes.  IMC Phosphates also had a promissory note with a principal balance of $4.8 million payable to IMC.  This note was paid in full at December 31, 2003.  The principal on this promissory note owed toIMC at December 31, 2002 was $9.5 million.  IMC has advised IMC Phosphates that it does not intend to demand payment on the Promissory Notes prior to January 1, 2005; however, IMC has entered into discussions with IMC Phosphates contemplating a revision to theterms of the loans from IMC to IMC Phosphates, including the interest rate, if warranted.  The Promissory Notes evidencing the obligations to IMC have been classified as long-term.

On December 31, 2003, the estimated fair value of non-affiliate long-term debt described above was approximately $3.4 million less than the carrying amount of such debt.  The fair value was estimated by discounting the future cash flows using rates currentlyavailable to IMC Phosphates for debt instruments with similar terms and remaining maturities. 

IMC entered into a senior secured credit facility on May 17, 2001 (Credit Facility).  Pursuant to the Credit Facility, IMC and certain of its domestic subsidiaries, including IMC Phosphates, may borrow up to approximately $470.0 million.  The CreditFacility consisted of a revolving credit facility (Revolving Credit Facility) of up to $210.0 million available for revolving credit loans and letters of credit as well as a term loan facility (Term Loan Facility) of $258.3 million.   Concurrent with theclosing of the Credit Facility, IMC issued $400.0 million aggregate principal amount of 10.875 percent senior notes due 2008 (Seven Year Notes) and $200.0 million aggregate principal amount of 11.25 percent senior notes due 2011 (Ten Year Notes).  On November 2,2001, IMC issued an additional $100.0 million of the Ten Year Notes (November Note Offering).  On December 10, 2002, IMC issued an additional $117.5million of the Ten Year Notes (December Note Offering and together with the Seven Year Notes, the Ten Year Notes and the November Note Offering, Notes).  The proceeds of the December Note Offering were used: (i) to redeem all of IMC's remaining $98.3 millionof the 6.50 percent senior notes due August 1, 2003 in January 2003; (ii) pay related fees and expenses; and (iii) for general corporate purposes. The indentures under which the Notes were issued contain covenants that limit certain matters.  In addition, priorto the time that the Notes receive an investment grade rating from both Standard & Poor's Ratings Group as well as Moody's Investor's Services Inc. and the fall-away event is satisfied, covenants contained in the indentures limit IMC's ability and the ability ofits restricted subsidiaries to, among other things, pay dividends on, redeem or repurchase IMC's capital stock.  If IMC experiences specific kinds of changes of control prior to the fall-away event, holders of the Notes will have the right to require IMC topurchase their Notes, in whole or in part, at a price equal to 101 percent of the principal amount thereon, together with any accrued or unpaid interest to the date of purchase.

The Revolving Credit and Term Loan Facilities were classified as long-term as of December 31, 2003. The Revolving Credit Facility is scheduled to mature on May 17, 2006 while the Term Loan Facility is scheduled to mature on November 17, 2006. If IMC does notrefinance and repay in full all of the 7.625 percent Senior Notes due 2005 and 6.55 percent Senior Notes due 2005 (2005 Senior Notes) with proceeds from the issuance of permitted debt securities prior to October 15, 2004, then the Revolving Credit and Term LoanFacilities will mature on October 15, 2004.  In 2003 IMC refinanced $413.5 million of the 2005 Senior Notes. As of December 31, 2003 a total of $36.5 million of the 2005 Senior Notes remained outstanding ($9.6 million of the 6.55 percent and $26.9 million of the7.625 percent).  There can be no assurance that IMC will be able to either refinance the 2005 Senior Notes or obtain an amendment to its Credit Facility removing the requirement to refinance.  IMC is seekingto obtain certain amendments to the Credit Facility, primarily to amend the requirement to refinance the remaining 2005 Senior Notes prior to October 15,2004, and also, among otherthings, modifying financial ratio covenant levels for 2004.  IMC is seeking theability to repay approximately $10 million of the 2005 Senior Notes at maturity in January 2005 and to extend the date by which it must refinance the remaining balance of the 2005 Senior Notes to March 2005.  In order to obtain the amendment pertainingspecifically to the extension of the maturity date, IMC must obtain unanimous consent from the participants in the Credit Facility. The other amendments, includingthe modifying of covenant levels, require only a majority vote of the participants in the Credit Facility.

Prior to the maturity date of the Revolving Credit Facility, funds may be borrowed, repaid and reborrowed under the Revolving Credit Facility without premium or penalty.  Amounts repaid in respect of the Term Loan Facility may not be reborrowed. 

As of December 31, 2003, IMC had nothing drawn under the Revolving Credit Facility.  Outstanding letters of credit as of December 31, 2003 totaled $82.4 million, $1.5 million of which does not reduce availability under the Revolving Credit Facility.  Asof December 31, 2003, the net available additional borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility were $129.1 million.  In 2003, repayments of $2.8 million of borrowings resulted in an outstanding balance of $258.3 million under the Term Loan Facility as ofDecember 31, 2003. 

The Credit Facility is guaranteed by substantially all of IMC's direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries, including IMC Phosphates, as well as by certain direct and indirect foreign subsidiaries.  The Credit Facility is secured by: (i) a pledge of certainequity interests and intercompany debt held by IMC and the subsidiary guarantors in their subsidiaries; (ii) a security interest in accounts receivable and inventory; and (iii) mortgages on certain of IMC's potash mining and production facilities, with a net bookvalue of $290.2 million as of December 31, 2003.  The guarantee by IMC Phosphates is limited by the amount of existing intercompany debt owed by PLP and IMC Phosphates to IMC and its other subsidiaries.  Any payments under such guarantee would constitute acorresponding repayment of such intercompany debt.

The Credit Facility requires IMC to meet certain financial tests, including, but not limited to, a maximum total leverage ratio, a maximum secured leverage ratio, a minimum interest coverage ratio and a maximum ratio of the sum of certain secured obligations as ofany date to the collateral coverage amount (as defined in the Credit Facility).  Certain of such tests were amended on February 21, 2003 (February Amendment).  Among other things, the February Amendment reduced the maximum permitted aggregate annual amountof capital expenditures, joint venture investments and certain monetary acquisitions that IMC and its subsidiaries may make to $160.0 million for 2003 and $250.0 million thereafter.  In addition, the maximum aggregate monetary acquisition consideration forcertain types of future business acquisitions was limited to $10.0 million.  The February Amendment also modified the existing limitations on indebtedness to allow for a new secured financing up to $55.0 million, which financing was completed in May 2003. IMC was in compliance with the provisions of the Credit Facility as amended by the February Amendment throughout 2003.  Interest rates associated with the Term Loan Facility and the Revolving Credit Facility vary depending upon IMC's leverage ratio.  Withrespect to the Revolving Credit Facility, interest on this loan is calculated at either prime plus 150.0 to 225.0 basis points or LIBOR plus 250.0 to 325.0 basis points (depending on IMC's leverage ratio).  Interest on the loans under the Term Loan Facility iscalculated at either prime plus 275.0 to 300.0 basis points or LIBOR plus 375.0 to 400.0 basis points.  Based on the amended pricing, the Revolving Credit Facility and the Term Loan Facility bear interest at LIBOR plus 325.0 basis points and LIBOR plus 400.0basis points, respectively, as of December 31, 2003, which reflects a 25.0 basis point increase as a result of the February Amendment.

The Notes are guaranteed by the same subsidiaries of IMC that guaranteed the Credit Facility, except that MP Co. was designated as an unrestricted subsidiary in the fourth quarter of 2001 and is, therefore, no longer a guarantor of the Notes.  MP Co. hasimmaterial assets and income and is the managing general partner of IMC Phosphates.

Scheduled maturities of long-term debt, excluding the Promissory Notes, for the next five years are as follows:

*2004*

$  4.0

*2005*

4.3

*2006*

1.5

*2007*

1.5

*2008*

1.6

*Thereafter*

27.8

As of December 31, 2003, IMC Phosphates had drawn $5.7 million under a letter of credit subfacility.

9.     PENSION PLANS AND OTHERBENEFITS

The individuals who perform services for IMC Phosphates are employed primarily by MP Co.MP Co. sponsors several qualified and nonqualified pension plans (Pension Plans) and postretirement health care benefit plans that cover substantially all of itsemployees who perform services for IMC Phosphates.  The U.S. salaried and non-union hourly pension plans were amended in 2003 to provide that no participant will accrue any further benefits under such plan after March 31, 2003. The U.S. union pension plan wasamended in 2003 to allow participants covered by a certain collective bargaining agreement to freeze benefit accruals under such plan and begin participating in the defined contribution retirement plan feature of the U.S. union savings plan effective January 1,2004.  Additionally, represented employees with certain unions hired on or after June 1, 2003 are not eligible to participate in the U.S. union pension plan. ****Postretirement health care benefit plans are either contributory or non-contributory and containcertain other cost sharing features such as deductibles and coinsurance.  Employees are not vested in the postretirement health care benefit plans and benefits are subject to changes.  The expense related to all of the above plans is charged by MP Co. toIMC Phosphates.

The Pension Plans' assets consist mainly of domestic corporate equity securities, U.S. government securities, corporate debt securities, international equity securities, real estate investment funds, units of participation in a collective short-term investmentfund and private equity funds.  The weighted-average asset allocation of the Pension Plans' assets as of December 31 were:

 

*2003*

*2002*

*Asset Category*

  

  

Equity securities

72%

64%

Debt securities

23%

28%

Real estate

4%

4%

Other

1%

4%

  

100%

100%

  

  

  

The investment objectives for the PensionPlan's assets are as follows: (i) achieve a nominal annualized rate of return equal to or greater than the actuarially assumed investment return over ten to twenty-year periods; (ii) achieve an annualized rate of return ofthe Consumer Price Index plus 5 percent over ten to twenty-year periods; (iii) realize annual, three and five-year annualized rates of returns consistent with or in excess of specific respective market benchmarks at the individual asset class level; and (iv) achievean overall return of the Pension Plan's assets consistent with or in excess of the total fund benchmark, which is a hybrid benchmark customized to reflect thetrust's asset allocation and performance objectives. This benchmark is currently comprised of the followingindices and their respective weightings:  36 percent S&P 500, 9 percent Russell 2500, 5 percent equally weighted blend of Cambridge Venture and Private Equity indices, 15 percent Morgan Stanley Capital International World ex-U.S., 5 percent Morgan StanleyCapital International Emerging Markets, 20 percent Lehmann Bond Aggregate, 5 percent Salomon Brothers Inflation Linked and 5 percent National Council of Real Estate Investment Fiduciaries Property.

The investment structure has an overall commitment to equity securities of approximately 70 percent that is intended to provide the desired risk/return trade-off and, over the long-term, the level of returns sufficient to achieve IMC's investment goals andobjectives for the Pension Plan's assets while covering near term cash flow obligations with fixed income in order to protect the Pension Plans from a forced liquidation of equities at the bottom of a cycle. 

The approach used to develop the long-term rate of return combines an analysis of historical performance, the drivers of investment performance by asset class, and current economic fundamentals.  For returns, IMC utilized a building block approach startingwith inflation expectations and added an expected real return to arrive at a long-term nominal expected return for each asset class.  Long-term expected real returns are derived in the context of future expectations of the U.S. Treasury real yieldcurve. 

The retiree medical program for certain salaried and non-union retirees age 65 and over was terminated effective January 1, 2004.  The retiree medical program for salaried and non-union hourly retirees under age 65 will end at age 65.  The retireemedical program for certain active salaried and non-union hourly employees was terminated effective April 1, 2003.  Coverage changes and termination of certain post-65 retiree medical benefits were effective April 1, 2003.

Certain changes were also made to theretiree medical program for U.S. union hourly employees of MP Co. effective June 1, 2003.** ** Pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement, certain union represented employees hired on or after June 1, 2003,are not eligible to participate in the retiree medical program for U.S. union hourly employees of MP Co.

IMC reserves the right to amend, modify, or terminate the plans at any time at its sole discretion.  Amendments, modifications, or termination of the plans that have a financial impact of $0.5 million or more to IMC in any single year require the approval ofthe Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. Amendments, modifications, or termination of the plans that have a financial impact of less than $0.5 million to IMC in any single year must be reviewed and approved by the Employee Benefits Committee.  Theexpense related to all of the above plans is charged by MP Co. to IMC Phosphates.

In addition, MP Co. provides benefits such as worker's compensation and disability to certain former or inactive employees after employment but before retirement.

The following table sets forth pension and postretirement obligations for defined benefit plans, plan assets and benefit cost as of and for the years ended December 31 based on a September 30 measurement date:

* *

*Pension Plans*

*Other Benefits*

* *

*2003*

*2002*

*2003*

*2002*

**Change in benefit obligation**

 
 

 
 

Benefit obligation as of January 1

$  179.6 

$  159.5 

$    49.5 

$   41.4 

Service cost

4.5 

5.7 

1.2 

1.5 

Interest cost

11.0 

11.8 

2.5 

3.1 

Plan amendments

1.1 

- 

(18.8)

- 

Actuarial (gain) loss

8.7 

8.8 

(4.1)

4.9 

Benefits paid

(16.6)

(6.2)

(1.7)

(1.4)

Curtailments

(30.6)

- 

- 

- 

Benefit obligation as of December 31

$  157.7 

$ 179.6 

$    28.6 

$   49.5 

**Change in plan assets**

 
 

 
 

Fair value as of January 1

$    76.9 

$   85.4 

$         - 

$        - 

Actual return

13.7 

(7.3)

- 

- 

Contributions

0.2 

5.0 

1.8 

1.4 

Benefits paid

(16.6)

(6.2)

(1.8)

(1.4)

Fair value as of December 31

$    74.2 

$    76.9 

$         - 

$         - 

Funded status of the plan

$   (83.5)

$ (102.7)

$  (28.6)

$  (49.5)

Unrecognized transition asset

- 

- 

(1.1)

(1.2)

Unrecognized prior service cost (benefit)

9.5 

12.5 

(16.5)

(1.4)

Unrecognized net loss

31.1 

58.0 

4.5 

9.0 

Accrued benefit cost

$   (42.9)

$   (32.2)

$  (41.7)

$  (43.1)

**Amounts recognized in the balance sheet **

 
 

 
 

Accrued benefit liability

$   (52.4)

$   (41.9)

$  (41.7)

$  (43.1)

Intangible asset

9.5 

9.7 

- 

- 

Total recognized

$  (42.9)

$   (32.2)

$  (41.7)

$  (43.1)

 

 

 

 

 

As of the September 30 measurement date, the total accumulated benefit obligation on the Pension Plans was $157.7 ****million and $145.6 ****million for 2003 and 2002, respectively.

MP Co. estimates that contributions to the Pension Plans will be $24.9 million in 2004.  Contributions made to the other benefit plans are not expected to exceed $1.5 million for 2004.

Certain MP Co. pension plans had an accumulated benefit obligation and a projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets.  The aggregate accumulated benefit obligation of these underfunded plans was $157.7 million and $145.6 million as of December 31,2003 and 2002, respectively.  The aggregate projected benefit obligation of these underfunded plans was $157.7 million and $179.6 million as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.  The aggregate fair value of plan assets of these underfunded plans was$74.2 million and $76.9 million as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. 

MP Co.'s actuarial assumptions used to measure benefit obligations were as follows:

* *

*Pension Plans*

*Other Benefits*

* *

*2003*

*2002*

*2003*

*2002*

Discount rate

6.50%

7.00%

6.50%

7.00%

Expected return on plan assets

8.50%

9.00%

-   

-   

 

 

 

 

 

In measuring the Other Benefits' benefit obligations, a 9.0 percent annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered pre-65 health care benefits was assumed for 2003 decreasing gradually to 5.0 percent in 2007 and thereafter; and a 9.5 percent annual rateof increase in the per capita cost of covered post-65 health care benefits was assumed for 2003 decreasing gradually to 5.5 percent in 2007 and thereafter.

The components of pension and other benefits costs for the year ended December 31 were as follows:

* *

*Pension Plans*

*Other Benefits*

* *

*2003*

*2002*

*2001*

*2003*

*2002*

*2001*

Service cost

$   4.5 

$   5.7 

$   5.5 

$   1.2 

$   1.5 

$   1.5 

Interest cost

11.0 

11.8 

11.0 

2.5 

3.1 

2.6 

Expected return on plan assets

(8.5)

(9.8)

(10.4)

- 

- 

- 

*Amortization of:*

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Transition asset

- 

- 

- 

(0.1)

(0.1)

(0.1)

  Prior service cost

1.5 

2.1 

1.9 

(2.7)

(0.3)

(0.3)

  Net loss

1.1 

- 

0.1 

0.2 

- 

- 

Net periodic benefit cost

9.6 

9.8 

8.1 

1.1 

4.2 

3.7 

Curtailments and settlements

1.2 

- 

0.3 

(1.0)

- 

0.2 

Net periodic benefit cost after   curtailments and settlements

 $ 10.8 

 $   9.8 

 $   8.4 

 $   0.1 

 $   4.2 

 $   3.9 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MP Co.'s actuarial assumptions used to determine net benefit costs were as follows:

* *

*Pension Plans*

*Other Benefits*

* *

*2003*

*2002*

*2003*

*2002*

Discount rate

7.00%

7.50%

7.00%

7.50%

Expected return on plan assets

9.00%

9.50%

-   

-   

Rate of compensation increase

4.75%

4.75%

-   

-   

 

 

 

 

 

In measuring the Other Benefits' net benefit cost, a 10.0 percent annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered pre-65 health care benefits was assumed for 2003 decreasing gradually to 5.0 percent in 2008 and thereafter; and a 10.5 percent annual rateof increase in the per capita cost of covered post-65 health care benefits was assumed for 2003 decreasing gradually to 5.5 percent in 2008 and thereafter.

If the health care trend rate assumptions were increased by 1.0 percent, the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation would increase by 1.7 percent, or $0.5 million, as of December 31, 2003.  This would have the effect of a 5.4 percent, or $0.2 million,increase on the service and interest cost components of net periodic postretirement health care benefit cost in 2003.  If the health care trend rate assumptions were decreased by 1.0 percent, the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation would decrease by1.7 percent, or $0.5 million, as of December 31, 2003.  This would have the effect of a 5.1 percent, or $0.2 million, decrease on the service and interest cost components of net periodic postretirement health care benefit cost in 2003.

MP Co. also has defined contribution and pre-tax savings plans (Savings Plans) for certain employees. Under each of the Savings Plans, participants are permitted to defer a portion of their compensation.  MP Co. contributions to the Savings Plans are based ona percentage of employee contributions.  The Savings Plans for salaried and non-union hourly employees have a profit sharing feature.  The MP Co. contribution to the profit sharing feature is based on the employee's age and eligible pay as well as IMC'sfinancial performance.  Effective April 1, 2003, certain MP Co. participants in the U.S. salaried and non-union hourly pension plan commenced participation in the profit sharing feature of the U.S. savings plan for salaried and non-union hourly employees. Effective June 1, 2003, pursuant to a certain collective bargaining agreement, a defined contribution retirement plan feature was added to the union savings plan.  MP Co. contributions to the defined contribution retirement plan feature is based on a percentageof employee's eligible base pay.  The union savings plan became the primary retirement vehicle for certain MP Co. employees covered by a certain collective bargaining agreement who were hired on or after June 1, 2003.  Additionally, represented employeeswith a certain union who were participants in the union pension plan as of December 31, 2003, were given the option of remaining in such plan, or of becoming a participant in the union savings plan effective January 1, 2004.  IMC Phosphates' expense for theSavings Plans totaled $7.2 million, $5.1 million and $4.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.  In addition, MP Co. provides benefits such as workers' compensation and disability to certain former or inactive employeesafter employment but before retirement.

10.  ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Accumulated other comprehensive income as of December 31 consists of the following:

* *

*2003*

*2002*

Net unrealized gains on derivative instruments

$    3.6

$    4.4

Foreign currency translation adjustment

0.3

-

Total

$    3.9

$    4.4

 

 

 

11.   COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

IMC Phosphates purchases sulphur, natural gas and ammonia from third parties under contracts extending in some cases from one to four years.  Purchases under these contracts are generally based on prevailing market prices.  IMC Phosphates is also in thethird year of a seven year transportation contract for rock and in the second year of a ten year transportation and terminaling contract for sulphur. 

IMC Phosphates leases various types of properties, including buildings and structures, railcars and various types of equipment through operating leases with terms generally ranging from one to ten years.

Summarized below is a schedule of future minimum long-term purchase commitments, based on December 31, 2003 market prices, and minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases as of December 31, 2003:

* *

*Purchase Commitments*

*Lease Commitments*

2004

$ 411.8

$  14.3

2005

136.0

12.5

2006

121.1

8.7

2007

39.8

6.9

2008

30.0

5.6

Subsequent years

111.6

9.7

 

$ 850.3

$  57.7

 

 

 

Rental expense for 2003, 2002 and 2001 amounted to $17.9 million, $19.4 million and $16.1 million, respectively.  Spending on purchase commitments for 2003, 2002 and 2001 amounted to $379.7 ****million, $135.1 million and $178.4 million, respectively.

IMC Phosphates also sells phosphate rock and concentrated phosphates to customers and IMC under contracts extending in some cases for multiple years.  Sales under these contracts, except for certain phosphate rock sales, which are at prices based on IMCPhosphates' cost of production, are generally at prevailing market prices.

In late 2003, PhosChem, of which IMC Phosphates is a member, reached an agreement through the year 2005 to supply diammonium phosphate to CNAMPGC.  Under the contract's terms, CNAMPGC will receive monthly shipments at prices reflecting the marketprice at the time of shipment.  CNAMPGC is a state company with government authority for the import of fertilizers into China. 

*Pine Level Property Reserves*In October 1996, IMC Phosphates signed an agreement with Consolidated Minerals, Inc. (CMI) for the purchase of real property, Pine Level, containing approximately 100.0 million tons of phosphate rock reserves.  In connection with the purchase, IMC Phosphatesagreed to obtain all environmental, regulatory and related permits necessary to commence mining on the property.

When the permits necessary to commence mining the property have been obtained, IMC Phosphates is obligated to pay CMI an initial royalty payment of $28.9 million (Initial Royalty).  In January 2002, IMC Phosphates exercised its option to extend the permittingperiod until October 3, 2004, at a cost of $7.2 million, plus interest charges, which will be applied toward the Initial Royalty. In addition to the Initial Royalty, IMC Phosphates is required to pay CMI a mining royalty on phosphate rock mined from the property tothe extent the permits are obtained.

On the earlier of (a) ten days after the necessary mining permits have been obtained, or (b) October 3, 2004, IMC Phosphates is required to either: (i) pay CMI the remainder of the Initial Royalty amount (Remainder Payment) of $21.7 million; or (ii) give notice toCMI of IMC Phosphates' intent to not make the Remainder Payment, and CMI will have an option to repurchase the property.

*USAC Contract*In March 1994, IMC Phosphates signed an agreement with U.S. Agri-Chemicals (USAC) to supply phosphate rock until 2004.  In November 1999, IMC Phosphates and USAC signed an agreement to extend the term until September 2014, with an option for a secondextension through September 2024 (New Extended Term).  As part of the new agreement, USAC paid $57.0 million (Near Term Payment), plus interest charges, to IMC Phosphates during the year 2000.  In the event IMC Phosphates and USAC fail to reach agreement onthe New Extended Term pricing, either party may elect to terminate the agreement with regard to the New Extended Term.  In such event, IMC Phosphates may be required to refund a prorated share of the Near Term Payment.  In addition, since IMC Phosphates didnot obtain permits for new mines at Ona or Pine Level by September 1, 2001, it can elect to terminate the agreement effective no later than October 1, 2007 upon three years' advance written notice.  If IMC so elected, IMC Phosphates would be required to repaythe amount of the Near Term payment plus interest charges and less a portion of the costs incurred by IMC in its efforts to obtain permitting.  The Near Term Payment was recorded as deferred revenue and is being amortized over the life of the originalcontract.

*Environmental Matters*IMC Phosphates has contingent environmental liabilities that arise principally from three sources: (i) facilities currently or formerly owned by IMC Phosphates or its predecessors; (ii) facilities adjacent to currently or formerly owned facilities; and (iii)third-party Superfund or state equivalent sites. 

At facilities currently or formerly owned by IMC Phosphates or its corporate predecessors, including Freeport McMoRan Inc., PLP and their corporate predecessors, the historical use and handling of regulated chemical substances, crop and animal nutrients andadditives as well as by-product or process tailings have resulted in soil, surface water and groundwater contamination. Spills or other releases of regulated substances have occurred previously at these facilities, and potentially could occur in the future, possiblyrequiring IMC Phosphates to undertake or fund cleanup.  In some instances, IMC Phosphates has agreed, pursuant to consent orders or agreements with the appropriate governmental agencies, to undertake certain investigations, which currently are in progress, todetermine whether remedial action may be required to address contamination.  At other locations, IMC Phosphates has entered into consent orders or agreements with appropriate governmental agencies to perform required remedial activities that will addressidentified site conditions.  Taking into consideration established accruals, expenditures for these known conditions currently are not expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect on IMC Phosphates' business or financialcondition.  However, material expenditures by IMC Phosphates could be required in the future to remediate the contamination at these or at other current or former sites.

Superfund and equivalent state statutes impose liability without regard to fault or to the legality of a party's conduct on certain categories of persons who are considered to have contributed to the release of "hazardous substances" into the environment. Under Superfund, or its various state analogues, one party may, under certain circumstances, be required to bear more than its proportionate share of cleanup costs at a site where it has liability if payments cannot be obtained from other responsible parties. Currently, IMC Phosphates is involved or concluding involvement at less than five Superfund or equivalent state sites.  IMC Phosphates' remedial liability from these sites, either alone or in the aggregate, currently is not expected to have a material adverseeffect on IMC Phosphates' business or financial condition.  As more information is obtained regarding these sites and the potentially responsible parties involved, this expectation could change.

IMC Phosphates believes that, pursuant to several indemnification agreements, it is entitled to at least partial, and in many instances complete, indemnification for the costs that may be expended by IMC Phosphates to remedy environmental issues at certainfacilities. These agreements address issues that resulted from activities occurring prior to IMC Phosphates' acquisition of facilities or businesses from private parties.  IMC Phosphates has already received and anticipates receiving amounts pursuant to theindemnification agreements for certain of its expenses incurred to date as well as future anticipated expenditures.

*Other*Most of IMC Phosphates' export sales of phosphate crop nutrients are marketed through PhosChem.  As a member, IMC Phosphates is, subject to certain conditions and exceptions, contractually obligated to reimburse PhosChem for its pro rata share of anyoperating expenses or other liabilities incurred.  The reimbursements are made through reductions to members' cash receipts from PhosChem.  During the second quarter of 2002, PhosChem entered into a new $65.0 million receivables purchase facility with abank that replaced prior funding facilities.  This facility supports PhosChem's funding of its purchases of crop nutrients from IMC Phosphates and other PhosChem members and is nonrecourse to IMC Phosphates. 

IMC Phosphates has $119.8 million of non-current liabilities for reclamation activities, Gypstack closure and water treatment in its Florida and Louisiana operations, where to obtain necessary permits, it must either pass a test of financial strength or providecredit support, typically surety bonds or financial guarantees.  As of December 31, 2003 IMC Phosphates had $84.4 million in surety bonds outstanding which mature over the course of 2004, and met the financial strength test for the remaining portion of suchadditional liabilities. In connection with the outstanding surety bonds, IMC Phosphates, through IMC, has posted $40.0 million of collateral in the form of letters of credit. There can be no assurance that IMC Phosphates can continue to pass such tests of financialstrength or to purchase surety bonds on the same terms and conditions.  However, IMC Phosphates anticipates that it will be able to satisfy applicable credit support requirements without disrupting normal business operations.

The State of Florida has begun formulating new financial assurance responsibility rules for closure and long-term care of Gypstacks.  Such rules likely will become effective in 2004 and are expected to include more stringent financial tests than the currentrules, along with requirements that closure cost estimates include the cost of treating Gypstack water.  IMC Phosphates currently recognizes both Gypstack closure costs and Gypstack water treatment costs as liabilities in accordance with SFAS No.143.

In addition, IMC Phosphates has granted a mortgage on approximately 22,000 previously mined acres of land in Florida with a net book value of approximately $14.0 million as security for certain reclamation costs in the event that an option granted to a third partyto purchase the mortgaged land is not exercised.

IMC Phosphates also has certain other contingent liabilities with respect to litigation and claims to third parties arising in the ordinary course of business.  IMC Phosphates does not believe that any of these contingent liabilities will have a materialadverse impact on IMC Phosphates' business or financial condition.

12.   SALES BY GEOGRAPHIC AREA

Financial information relating to IMC Phosphates' operations by geographic area was as follows:

* *

*2003*

*2002*

*2001*

**Net Sales****a**

 
** **

** **

  United States

$   854.2

$   772.4

$   716.0

  China

173.3

228.1

120.5

  Other

308.2

256.8

334.9

  Consolidated

$1,335.7

$1,257.3

$1,171.4

 

 

 

 

a  Revenues are attributed to countries based on location of customer. 

13.   SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

In December 2003, IMC and PLP jointly announced that IMC was considering making a proposal to merge an affiliate of IMC with PLP, with each publicly held partnership unit in PLP being converted into the right to receive 0.2shares of IMC common stock (PLP unit exchange).  In addition, IMC and PLP announced that Alpine Capital, L.P., Keystone, Inc. and The Anne T. and Robert M. Bass Foundation (collectively, the largest public holders of PLP units) had agreed to support such atransaction.  In January 2004, IMC presented the PLP unit exchange to the Board of Directors ofPRP.  On March 1, 2004, IMC and PLP announced that the Board of Directors of PRP had unanimously approved the PLP unit exchange, and recommended that unitholdersvote to approve the PLP unit exchange.  The merger agreement relating to the PLP unit exchange is expected to be signed shortly, following the final approval by the Board of Directors of IMC.  Such approval is expected in the near future.  The PLP unitexchange will be subject to certain conditions, including among other things, necessary regulatory approvals, action by the unitholders of PLP, and other conditions which are customary for transactions of this nature involving publicly traded companies.  The PLPunit exchange is not conditioned on the consummation of IMC’s combination with Cargill Crop Nutrition referred to below. If the combination with Cargill Crop Nutrition is consummated, and IMC's common stock is converted into the right to receive common stock ofthe newly formed company, then each former publicly held PLP unit will be converted into the right to receive 0.2 shares of common stock of the newly created company.

In January 2004, IMC signed a definitive agreement with Cargill, Incorporated (Cargill) to combine IMC's and Cargill'sCrop Nutrition businesses to create a new, publicly traded company (Newco).  The combination will be effected by the contribution by Cargill toNewco of equity interests in entities owning all or substantially all of the assets, liabilities and obligations of the Cargill Crop Nutrition businesses, in exchange for the issuance by Newco of shares of common stock and Class B common stock to Cargill.  Inaddition, as part of the combination, a wholly owned subsidiary of Newco will be merged with and into IMC, with IMC surviving as a wholly owned subsidiary of Newco.  In the merger, each outstanding share of IMC's common stock and preferred stock will beconverted into one share of Newco common stock or preferred stock, as applicable.  Cargill will own approximately 66.5 percent of Newco's common stock and IMC's common stockholders will own approximately 33.5 percent of Newco's common stock.  Thecombination is subject to regulatory approval in the U.S., Brazil, Canada, China and several other countries; the approval of IMC's stockholders; the completion of the PLP unit exchange; and satisfaction of other customary closing conditions.  Subject tocompletion of the closing conditions contained in the definitive agreement, IMC anticipates the transaction will close in the summer of 2004. 

The terms of the preferred stock of Newco into which shares of IMC's preferred stock will be converted in the merger will be substantially identical to the terms of IMC's preferred stock, but the Newco preferred stock will also have the right to vote on allmatters submitted to the vote of Newco's common stockholders.  The Newco preferred stock will carry one vote per share and will vote together as a single class with the common stock of Newco.

The agreement with Cargill restricts IMC from taking certain actions without Cargill's consent until the closing of the transactions contemplated thereby, including, without limitation, as follows: (i) IMC and its subsidiaries are prohibited from incurring orassuming any long-term or short-term debt or issuing any debt securities (except as permitted by the terms of the Credit Facility and the indentures governing IMC's notes); (ii) cash dividends on IMC's common stock are limited to regular quarterly cash dividends of$0.02 per share per quarter; (iii) dividends on IMC's preferred stock are limited to $0.9375 per share per quarter; (iv) IMC and its subsidiaries may not issue or sell capital stock except in limited circumstances that include, among others, theissuance of stock in connection with the conversion of PLP units into common stock of IMC as described above and sales pursuant to existing benefit plans; and (v) IMC and its subsidiaries may not repurchase IMC's capital stock except in limitedcircumstances.  IMC's stockholder rights plan was amended on January 26, 2004 so that the preferred stock purchase rights will not become exercisable as a result of the acquisition of IMC's common stock pursuant to and in accordance with the terms of thedefinitive agreement for the combination with Cargill Crop Nutrition.

**QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)***a*****(Dollars in millions)

* Quarter*

*First**b*

*Second*

*Third*

*Fourth**b*

*Year**b*

**2003**

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

$  340.2 

$  297.8 

$  292.3 

$  405.4 

$1,335.7 

Gross margins

$   (15.2)

$  (14.4)

$    (2.1)

$      6.6 

$   (25.1)

Operating earnings (loss)

$   (28.6)

$  (24.9)

$  (12.6)

$    10.9 

$   (55.2)

Earnings (loss) before cumulative effect of a change   in accounting principle

 $   (32.1)

 $  (29.4)

 $  (15.4)

 $      6.0 

 $   (70.9)

Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

(32.7)

- 

- 

- 

(32.7)

Earnings (loss)

$   (64.8)

$  (29.4)

$  (15.4)

$      6.0 

$ (103.6)
      
* Quarter*

*First*

*Second*

*Thirdc*

*Fourth*

*Yearc*

**2002**

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

$  295.4 

$  336.6 

$  313.7 

$  311.6 

$1,257.3 

Gross margins

$    19.2 

$    14.7 

$    30.9 

$    14.3 

$     79.1 

Operating earnings

$      8.4 

$      3.2 

$    20.4 

$      3.7 

$     35.7 

Earnings (loss)

$      3.1 

$     (2.2)

$    16.0 

$     (0.9)

$     16.0 

 

 

 

 

 

 

a  For information related to IMC Phosphates special items discussed below, see the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.b  Includes a restructuring charge of $2.4 million in the first quarter and $0.3 million in the fourth quarter.  Includes a gain from the sale of operating assets in the fourth quarter of $13.9 million.  Includes a cumulativeeffect of a change in accounting principle for the adoption of SFAS No. 143 in the first quarter.c  Net sales include a price adjustment of $6.5 million related to prior periods.  Operating results include the price adjustment related to prior periods and the unfavorable impact of reduced operating rates due to a sulphursupply shortage in July of $5.3 million.

Item 9.  Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure. 

None.

Item 9A.Controls and Procedures.

IMC Phosphates maintains disclosure controls and procedures and internal controls designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in IMC Phosphates' filings under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reportedwithin the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms.  IMC Phosphates' management, with the participation of its principal executive and financial officers, has evaluated the effectiveness of IMC Phosphates' disclosurecontrols and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  IMC Phosphates' principal executive and financial officers have concluded, based on such evaluation, that such disclosure controls and procedures were effective forthe purpose for which they were designed as of the end of such period.

There was no change in the IMC Phosphates' internal control over financial reporting that was identified in connection with such evaluations that occurred during the fourth fiscal quarter of 2003 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materiallyaffect, IMC Phosphates' internal control over financial reporting.

**PART III.**

Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant.

As a partnership, IMC Phosphates has no directors.  MP Co. performs comparable functions for IMC Phosphates.  IMC Phosphates does not employ any executive officers; however, certain management functions are provided to IMC Phosphates by executiveofficers and other employees of MP Co. and its affiliates, including IMC.   IMC Phosphates has no equity compensation plans.

The Audit Committee of the IMC Board, consisting of Messrs. Raymond F. Bentele, who serves as the Committee's Chairman, James M. Davidson, Pamela B. Strobel and Richard L. Thomas, serves as the Audit Committee for IMC Phosphates.  The IMC Board has determinedthat (i) each of the foregoing members of the Audit Committee is (a) "independent" within the meaning of currently applicable listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and free from any relationship that may interfere with such member's independencefrom IMC's management team and IMC and (b) "financially literate" within the meaning of currently applicable NYSE listing standards, and (ii) Mr. Bentele has the attributes specified in Item 401(h)(2) of Regulation S-K to be an "audit committee financial expert"within the meaning of Item 401(h) of Regulation S-K and possesses accounting or related financial management expertise within the meaning of currently applicable NYSE listing standards.

IMC has a code of ethics within the meaning of Item 406 of Regulation S-K that applies to its principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer.  This code of ethics also applies to the principal executive officer,principal financial officer and principal accounting officer of MP Co., who in such capacities serve as the principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer for IMC Phosphates.  Such code of ethics is available on IMC'swebsite (www.imcglobal.com).  The information contained on IMC's website is not being incorporated herein.

Item 11. Executive Compensation.

IMC Phosphates does not employ any executive officers and no compensation was provided by IMC Phosphates to any executive officer for services rendered in any capacity in 2003.  MP Co. and its affiliates, including IMC, provide all services to IMC Phosphatesas provided in the Partnership Agreement, for which IMC Phosphates reimburses MP Co. and its affiliates, including IMC, at its cost, including allocated overhead.  Certain services provided by MP Co. and its affiliates, including IMC, are provided by executiveofficers and other employees of IMC.  In accordance with the Partnership Agreement, MP Co. and its affiliates, including IMC, are reimbursed on a monthly basis for expenses incurred on behalf of IMC Phosphates.  Reference is made to the information setforth in ***OTHER MATTERS*** - **Relationship between IMC Phosphates and IMC**,in Part I, Item 1, "Business," of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.

IMC Phosphates is 43.5 percent owned by PLP and 56.5 percent by IMC.  PRP and FMRP Inc., each of which is a wholly owned subsidiary of IMC, own 51.58 percent and 0.02 percent, respectively, of the outstanding PLP partnership interests.  As a result,IMC's total interest in IMC Phosphates is approximately 78.9 percent.  IMC's, PRP's, FMRP Inc.'s and PLP's principal executive offices are located at 100 S. Saunders Road, Suite 300, Lake Forest, Illinois 60045.

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Related Stockholder Matters.

Reference is made to the information set forth in***OTHER MATTERS*** - **Relationship between IMC Phosphates and IMC**,in Part I, Item 1, "Business," Item 11, "Executive Compensation," and Notes 1 and 8 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services.

During the fiscal years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, Ernst & Young LLP, the independent auditor engaged to audit the financial statements of IMC Phosphates for those fiscal years, provided IMC Phosphates with audit and audit-related services.  IMCPhosphates incurred the following fees for services performed by Ernst & Young LLP for fiscal years 2003 and 2002:

*  *

*2003*

*2002*

Audit Fees

$  448,000

$  380,000

Audit-Related Fees

17,000

182,000

Total Fees

$  465,000

$  562,000

  

  

  

Audit fees include fees associated with the annual audit, the review of the IMC Phosphates' quarterly reports on Form 10-Q as well as during 2003 certain Section 404 consultation and attest services. 

Audit-related fees principally include accounting consultations related to implementation of new accounting pronouncements in 2003.  In 2002, these fees related to internal audit assistance which type of services were allowed prior to the adoption by the SECindependence rules effective May 6, 2003.  No internal audit assistance services were rendered in 2003.

The Audit Committee (Audit Committee) of the IMC Board is responsible for the appointment, compensation and oversight of the work of the independent auditor engaged to audit the financial statements of IMC and its subsidiaries(Independent Auditor), including IMC Phosphates, for each year. 

 

Pursuant to the Audit Committee's Charter and independent auditor services preapproval policies adopted by the Audit Committee, the Audit Committee preapproves the annual audit fees and terms of engagement of the IndependentAuditor.  In addition, the Audit Committee preapproval policies identify specified categories of audit related and tax services that may be provided by the Independent Auditor.  Management of the Company may engage the Independent Auditor to performservices within the specified categories of audit related and tax services up to a spending limit for each such category that has been preapproved by the Audit Committee.

 

The Independent Auditor may be considered for other services not specifically approved as described above so long as the performance of such services by the Independent Auditor are not prohibited by rules of the SEC. Such services, including the scope of work, proposed fees and other terms of engagement, must be approved by the Chair of the Audit Committee or, at the election of the Chair, the full Audit Committee, and may only be approved if the Chair or the Audit Committee, asthe case may be, concludes that the engagement would not impair the Independent Auditor's independence.  Services for which projected fees would exceed $50,000 require competitive bidding.  All approvals granted by the Chair are to be presented to the fullAudit Committee at its next scheduled meeting.  Neither the Committee nor the Chair may delegate their preapproval authority.

 

Any fees greater than 10 percent over amounts that are preapproved as described above must be preapproved by the Chair of the Audit Committee or, at the election of the Chair, the full Audit Committee.  All approvalsgranted by the Chair must be presented to the full Audit Committee at its next scheduled meeting.

 

In preapproving a proposed engagement of the Independent Auditor, the Audit Committee considers the impact of the proposed engagement on the independence of the Independent Auditor.  If the services do not impairindependence, the Audit Committee considers such other factors as it deems relevant.  Such factors may include, among other matters, the relationship between fees for audit and non-audit services, whether the Independent Auditor is best positioned to provide themost effective and efficient services, whether the services will improve the quality of the annual audit, cost, familiarity with IMC's business, accounting and business systems, accounting principles and corporate structure.  The Committee will not approve anyengagement of the Independent Auditor:
-  for tax transactions that are recommended by the Independent Auditor where the principal business purpose is tax avoidance and the treatment may not be supported in the Internal Revenue Code and relatedregulations;to provide tax services for any member of the Board or executive officer of IMC.
The Audit Committee has designated the Manager of Internal Audit to monitor the performance of all services provided by the Independent Auditor and to determine whether such services are in compliance with the policy. The Manager of Internal Audit reports to the Audit Committee on a periodic basis on the results of such monitoring.

 

In addition, the Audit Committee, pursuant to its Charter, reviews on an annual basis a formal written statement from the Independent Auditor delineating all relationships between the Independent Auditor and IMC and itssubsidiaries, consistent with Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1, and discusses with the Independent Auditor its methods and procedures for assuring independence.

 

None of the services provided by Ernst & Young LLP for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003 or 2002 was approved after the fact in reliance upon the *de minimis* exception in paragraph(c)(7)(i)(C) of RegulationS-X promulgated by the SEC.

**PART IV.**

Item 15.

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K.

 

(a)

(1)

Consolidated financial statements filed as part of this report are listed under Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," of this Annual Report on Form 10-K

 

 

(2)

All schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable, and therefore have been omitted.

 

 

(3)

Reference is made to the Exhibit Index beginning on page E-1 hereof.

 

(b)

Reports on Form 8-K.

 

 

None

 

(c)

Exhibits

 

 

Reference is made to the Exhibit Index beginning on page E-1 hereof.

 

(d)

Financial statements and schedules and summarized financial information of 50 percent or less owned persons are omitted as none of such persons are individually, or in the aggregate, significant under the tests specified in Regulation S-X under Article 3.09 orgeneral instructions to the financial statements.
****
***************************************

**SIGNATURES**

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

IMC PHOSPHATES COMPANY

 

 

By:

IMC Phosphates MP Inc. Its Managing General Partner

 

 

By:

                    J. Reid Porter                          J. Reid Porter Vice President of IMC Phosphates MP Inc. (on behalf of the registrant and as principal financial officer)

Date:  March 12, 2004

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated:

 *Name*

*Title*

*Date*

Douglas A. Pertz       Douglas A. Pertz

Vice President (principal executive officer)  of IMC Phosphates MP Inc.

March 12, 2004

J. Reid Porter             J. Reid Porter

Vice President (principal financial officer)  and a Director of IMC Phosphates MP Inc.

March 12, 2004

Robert M. Qualls        Robert M. Qualls

Vice President (principal accounting officer)  of IMC Phosphates MP Inc.

March 12, 2004

                      *                      E. Paul Dunn, Jr.

Director of IMC Phosphates MP Inc.

March 12, 2004

                      *                      C. Steven Hoffman

Director of IMC Phosphates MP Inc.

March 12, 2004

                      *                      Mary Ann Hynes

Director of IMC Phosphates MP Inc.

March 12, 2004

                      *                      Rose Marie Williams

Director of IMC Phosphates MP Inc.

March 12, 2004

*By:          Rose Marie Williams                 Rose Marie Williams          Attorney-in-fact

 

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION TO BE FURNISHED WITH REPORTS FILED PURSUANT TO SECTION 15(D) OF THE ACT BY REGISTRANTS WHICH HAVE NOT REGISTERED SECURITIES PURSUANT TO SECTION 12 OF THE ACT.

No annual report or proxy material has or will be sent to security holders of the registrant.
****
**Exhibit Index**

***Exhibit No.***

***Description***

***Incorporated Herein by Reference to***

***Filed with Electronic Submission***

3.i.(a)

Amended and Restated Partnership Agreement dated as of May 26, 1995 among IMC Agrico GP Company, Agrico, Limited Partnership and IMC Phosphates MP Inc. (formerly IMC-Agrico MP, Inc.) (Amended and Restated Partnership Agreement)

Exhibit 10.3 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of PLP for the Year Ended December 31, 1995*

 

3.i.(b)

Amendment and Agreement dated as of January 23, 1996 to the Amended and Restated Partnership Agreement dated May 26, 1995 by and among IMC Phosphates MP Inc.; IMC Global Operations Inc.; and IMC Phosphates Company (formerly IMC-Agrico Company)

Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of PLP dated February 13, 1996*

 

3.i.(c)

Amendment and Agreement dated as of December 22, 1997 to the Amended and Restated Partnership Agreement dated May 26, 1995 by and among IMC Phosphates MP Inc.; IMC Global Operations Inc.; and IMC Phosphates Company

Exhibit 10.5 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of PLP for the Year Ended December 31, 1998*

 

3.i.(d)

Amendment and Agreement dated as of January 1, 1997 to the Amended and Restated Partnership Agreement dated May 26, 1995 by and among IMC Phosphates MP Inc.; IMC Global Operations Inc.; and IMC Phosphates Company

Exhibit 10.i.(a) to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of PLP for the Quarterly Period Ended June 30, 2000*

 

3.i.(e)

Amendment and Agreement dated as of August 1, 1997 to the Amended and Restated Partnership Agreement dated May 26, 1995 by and among IMC Phosphates MP Inc., IMC Global Operations Inc. and IMC Phosphates Company

Exhibit 10.i.(b) to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of PLP for the Quarterly Period Ended June 30, 2000*

 

3.i.(f)

Amendment and Agreement dated as of June 26, 2000 to the Amended and Restated Partnership Agreement dated May 26, 1995 by and among IMC Phosphates MP Inc., IMC Global Operations, Inc. and IMC Phosphates Company

Exhibit 10.i.(c) to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of PLP for the Quarterly Period Ended June 30, 2000*

 

3.i.(g)

Amended and Restated Parent Agreement dated as of May 26, 1995 among IMC Global Operations Inc., PLP, FTX and IMC Phosphates Company

Exhibit 10.5 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of PLP for the Year Ended December 31, 1995*

 

4.ii.(a)

Indenture dated as of May 17, 2001 between IMC Global Inc., the Guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York relating to the issuance of10.875 percent Senior Notes due 2008

Exhibit 4.ii.(b) to the Current Report on Form 8-K of IMC Global Inc. for May 17, 2001**

 

4.ii.(b)

Indenture dated as of May 17, 2001 between IMC Global Inc., the Guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York relating to the issuance of11.250 percent Senior Notes due 2011

Exhibit 4.ii.(c) to the Current Report on Form 8-K of IMC Global Inc. for May 17, 2001**

 

4.ii.(c)

Supplemental Indenture dated as of May 31, 2001 among FMRP Inc., IMC Global Inc. and The Bank of New York to the Indentures dated as of May 17, 2001 between IMC Global Inc., the Guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York relating to the issuance of10.875 percent Senior Notes due 2008 and 11.250 percent Senior Notes due 2011

Exhibit 4.ii.(a) to Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement No. 333-71510

 

4.ii.(d)

Supplemental Indenture dated as of August 2, 2001 between IMC Global Netherlands B.V., IMC Global Inc. and The Bank of New York to the Indentures dated as of May 17, 2001 between IMC Global Inc., the Guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York relating tothe issuance of 10.875 percent Senior Notes due 2008 and 11.250 percent Senior Notes due 2011

Exhibit 4.ii.(b) to Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement No.  333-71510

 

4.ii.(e)

Supplemental Indenture dated as of November 6, 2001 between IMC Phosphates MP Inc., IMC Global Inc. and The Bank of New York to the Indentures dated as of May 17, 2001 between IMC Global Inc., the Guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York relating to theissuance of 10.875 percent Senior Notes due 2008 and 11.250 percent Senior Notes due 2011

Exhibit 4.ii.(c) to Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement No.  333-71510

 

4.ii.(f)

Supplemental Indenture dated as of January 1, 2002 between IMC Potash Colonsay ULC, IMC Global Inc. and The Bank of New York to the Indentures dated as of May 17, 2001 between IMC Global Inc., the Guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York relating to theissuance of 10.875 percent Senior Notes due 2008 and 11.250 percent Senior Notes due 2011

Exhibit 4.ii.(h) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of IMC Global Inc. for the Year Ended December 31, 2001**

 

4.ii.(g)

Supplemental Indenture dated as of November 26, 2001 between IMC USA Inc. LLC, IMC Global Inc. and The Bank of New York to the Indentures dated as of May 17, 2001 between IMC Global Inc., the Guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York relating to theissuance of 10.875 percent Senior Notes due 2008 and 11.250 percent Senior Notes due 2011

Exhibit 4.ii.(a) to Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement No. 333-103362

 

4.ii.(h)

Supplemental Indenture dated as of November 26, 2001 between Carey Salt Company, GSL Corporation, IMC Inorganic Chemicals Inc., IMC Kalium Ogden Corp., IMC Salt Inc. and NAMSCO Inc., IMC Global Inc. and The Bank of New York to the Indentures dated as of May 17,2001 between IMC Global Inc., the Guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York relating to the issuance of10.875 percent Senior Notes due 2008 and 11.250 percent Senior Notes due 2011

Exhibit 4.ii.(b) to Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement No. 333-103362

 

4.ii.(i)

Supplemental Indenture dated as of July 1, 2002 between IMC Sulphur Holdings LLC, IMC Global Inc. and The Bank of New York to the Indentures dated as of May 17, 2001 between IMC Global Inc., the Guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York relating to theissuance of 10.875 percent Senior Notes due 2008 and 11.250 percent Senior Notes due 2011

Exhibit 4.ii.(c) to Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement No. 333-103362

 

4.ii.(j)

Supplemental Indenture dated as of July 1, 2002 between IMC Global Dutch Holdings B.V., IMC Global Inc. and The Bank of New York to the Indentures dated as of May 17, 2001 between IMC Global Inc., the Guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York relating tothe issuance of 10.875 percent Senior Notes due 2008 and 11.250 percent Senior Notes due 2011

Exhibit 4.ii.(d) to Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement No. 333-103362

 

4.ii.(k)

Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of May 17, 2001, as amended and restated as of February 21, 2003, by and among IMC Global Inc., Phosphate Resource Partners Limited Partnership, IMC Phosphates Company, JP Morgan Chase Bank, as administrative agent,and the lenders party thereto.

Exhibit 4.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of IMC Global Inc. for February 25, 2003*

 

4.ii.(l)

Supplemental Indenture dated as of July 3, 2003 between IMC Global Inc. and The Bank of New York to the Indentures dated as of May 17, 2001 between IMC Global Inc., the Guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York relating to the issuance of10.875 percent SeniorNotes due 2008 and 11.250 percent Senior Notes due 2011

Exhibit 4.ii.(a) to the  Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of IMC Global Inc. for the Quarterly Period Ended June 30, 2003**

 
4.ii.(m)

Amendment No. 1 dated as of June 4, 2003 to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of May 17, 2001, as amended and restated as of February 21, 2003 by and among IMC Global Inc., Phosphate Resource Partners Limited Partnership, IMC Phosphates Company,JP Morgan Chase Bank, as administrative agent, and the lenders party thereto

Exhibit 4.ii.(b) to the  Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of IMC Global Inc. for the Quarterly Period Ended June 30, 2003**

 
4.ii.(n)

Amendment No. 2 dated as of June 20, 2003 to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of May 17, 2001, as amended and restated as of February 21, 2003 by and among IMC Global Inc., Phosphate Resource Partners Limited Partnership, IMC Phosphates Company,JP Morgan Chase Bank, as administrative agent, and the lenders party thereto

Exhibit 4.ii.(c) to the  Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of IMC Global Inc. for the Quarterly Period Ended June 30, 2003**

 
4.ii.(o)

Indenture dated as of August 1, 2003 between IMC Global Inc., the Guarantors named therein and BNY Midwest Trust Company relating to the issuance of 10.875 percent Senior Notes due 2013

Exhibit 4.ii.(a) to the  Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of IMC Global Inc. for the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2003**

 
4.ii.(p)

Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 21, 2003 between PRP-GP LLC and The Bank of New York to the Indentures dated as of May 17, 2001 between IMC Global Inc., the Guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York relating to the issuance of 10.875 percentSenior Notes due 2008 and 11.250 percent Senior Notes due 2011

Exhibit 4.ii.(b) to the  Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of IMC Global Inc. for the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2003**

 
4.ii.(q)

Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 21, 2003 between PRP-GP LLC and BNY Midwest Trust Company to the Indenture dated as of August 1, 2003 between IMC Global Inc., the Guarantors named therein and BNY Midwest Trust Company relating to the issuance of 10.875percent Senior Notes due 2013

Exhibit 4.ii.(c) to the  Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of IMC Global Inc. for the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2003**

 
4.iii.

Registrant hereby agrees to furnish to the Commission, upon request, with all other instruments defining the rights of holders of each issue of long-term debt of the Registrant and its consolidated subsidiaries.

* *

*  *

10.ii.(a)

Promissory Demand Note between IMC Phosphates Company, as borrower, and IMC, as lender, dated May 17, 2001 in the maximum principal sum of $65,000,000

Exhibit 10.ii.(b). to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Fiscal Quarter Ended June 30, 2002***

  

10.ii.(b) 

Promissory Demand Note between IMC Phosphates Company, as borrower, and IMC, as lender, dated August 19, 1998 in the maximum principal sum of $52,250,000

Exhibit 10.ii.(l) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year ended December 31, 2001***

 

10.ii.(c) 

Promissory Demand Note between IMC Phosphates Company, as borrower, and IMC, as lender, dated September 1, 2003 in the maximum principal sum of $400,000,000

Exhibit 10.ii. to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Fiscal Quarter Ended September 30, 2003***

 

23

Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors

 

X

24

Powers of Attorney pursuant to which this report has been signed on behalf of certain directors of IMC Phosphates MP Inc.

 

X

31.1

Certification Required by Rule 13a-14(a)

 

X

31.2

Certification Required by Rule 13a-14(a)

 

X

32.1

Certification Pursuant to Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code

 

X

32.2

Certification Pursuant to Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code

 

X

*SEC File No. 1-9164**SEC File No. 1-9759***SEC File No. 333-71510-06

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