All posts by Steve Seay

Nutrien Beats Analyst Estimates

Nutrien Ltd. announced first-quarter net earnings of $133 million, up from the year-ago loss of $35 million and beating $38.3 million, the Bloomberg Consensus average from major analysts. Nutrien also posted adjusted EBITDA of $806 million, up from the year-ago $508 million and surpassing analyst projections of $666.6 million.

Mosaic Reports 1Q Income of $157 M

The Mosaic Co., Tampa, reported first-quarter net income of $157 million, up from the year-ago loss of $203 million. The company missed the Bloomberg Consensus for net income, the average estimate by major analysts, which was $234 million, however, the company reported that earnings were negatively impacted by notable items of $77 million.

Nutrien Updates on Trinidad

Nutrien Ltd., Saskatoon, which has had two plants in Trinidad down due to mechanical issues, reports that as of April 30, all four ammonia plants are operating. However, they are operating at reduced rates due to process constraints. As a result of planned maintenance in late Q2 and in Q4 this year, the company estimates it will achieve production equivalent to three plants for the balance of 2021. Supply could be further reduced in May because of gas curtailments.

To add to its supply, Nutrien said it has committed to purchase up to 25,000 mt from Yara Freeport in second half May at the May market price and this will be incorporated into its vessel shipment program.

Land O’Lakes 1Q Income Surges

Land O’Lakes Inc. reports first-quarter profit more than tripled as the reopening of businesses lifts demand for dairy, according to Bloomberg. Net earnings surged to $136 million from $37 million a year earlier. Sales rose 4 percent to $3.9 billion. Gains were reported for all business units, including its crop input segment.

The cooperative said the quarter ended March 31 was the “strongest of the past decade.”

LSB 1Q Results Improve

LSB Industries Inc., Oklahoma City, reported improved results for the first quarter. Adjusted EBITDA was up at $17.3 million from $15.6 million, revenues to $98.1 million from $83.4 million and the company’s net loss was $13.3 million compared to the year-ago loss of $19.5 million. Ag sales volumes were up 3 percent and Industrial and Mining 16 percent.

Enviro Groups Sue over Idaho Mine Permit

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management failed to properly consider environmental impacts when it approved a plan by P4 Production LLC, a subsidiary of Bayer AG, to develop a phosphate mine in Idaho in 2019, according to Bloomberg Law citing a lawsuit filed by environmental groups April 27.

The Center for Biological Diversity, Western Watersheds Project and WildEarth Guardians say the agency also failed to consider the mine’s impact on greater sage-grouse, which has seen a declining population in recent decade.

Phosphate from the mine will be used to produce Roundup, the lawsuit says. It noted that the U.S. EPA determined glyphosate, which is the active ingredient in the product, is likely to adversely affect 93 percent of all threatened and endangered species.

BHP Likely to Proceed on Jansen Potash Says Analyst

Scotiabank sees a 90 percent probability that BHP will approve Phase 1 of its Jansen potash project in Canada within three to four months, according to a Bloomberg report. There will be market demand for Phase 1 potash by 2030, the estimated year for completion if approved, Scotiabank analyst Ben Isaacson said in a note Monday. The forecasts comes despite feedback from BHP shareholders that they largely do not want more capital invested in the project. However, analysts cite BHP’s CEO as continuing to discuss potash as favorable in the long-term.