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Investments
6 Months Ended
Feb. 29, 2024
Investments [Abstract]  
Investments Investments
February 29,
2024
August 31,
2023
 (Dollars in thousands)
Equity method investments:
CF Industries Nitrogen, LLC$2,565,318 $2,577,391 
Ventura Foods, LLC488,751 519,169 
Ardent Mills, LLC237,104 265,146 
Other equity method investments347,217 337,281 
Other investments141,739 129,885 
Total investments$3,780,129 $3,828,872 

Joint ventures and other investments in which we have significant ownership and influence, but not control, are accounted for in our condensed consolidated financial statements using the equity method of accounting. Our only significant equity method investment during the six months ended February 29, 2024, and February 28, 2023, was CF Industries Nitrogen, LLC ("CF Nitrogen"), which is summarized below. In addition to the recognition of our share of income from equity method investments, our equity method investments are evaluated for indicators of other-than-temporary impairment on an ongoing basis in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("U.S. GAAP"). Other investments consist primarily of investments in cooperatives without readily determinable fair values and are generally recorded at cost, unless an impairment or other observable market price change occurs that requires an adjustment. We had approximately $601.6 million in cumulative undistributed earnings from our equity method investees included in the investments balance as of February 29, 2024.

CF Nitrogen

    We have a $2.6 billion investment in CF Nitrogen, a strategic venture with CF Industries Holdings, Inc. ("CF Industries"). The investment consists of an approximate 9% membership interest (based on product tons) in CF Nitrogen. We
account for this investment using the hypothetical liquidation at book value method, recognizing our share of the earnings and losses of CF Nitrogen as equity income from investments in our Nitrogen Production segment based on our contractual claims on the entity's net assets pursuant to the liquidation provisions of CF Nitrogen's Limited Liability Company Agreement, adjusted for semiannual cash distributions.

    The following table provides summarized unaudited financial information for our equity method investment in CF Nitrogen for the six months ended February 29, 2024, and February 28, 2023:
Six Months Ended
February 29,
2024
February 28,
2023
(Dollars in thousands)
Net sales$1,776,394 $3,124,839 
Gross profit525,846 1,435,598 
Net earnings507,848 1,428,713 
Earnings attributable to CHS Inc.131,592 242,580 
    
    Our investments in other equity method investees are not significant in relation to our condensed consolidated financial statements, either individually or in aggregate.