CF Industries Holdings Inc. posted first-quarter net earnings to common stockholders of $90 million on sales of $1 billion, up from the year-ago $63 million and $957 million, respectively. Volumes were off at 4.09 million st from 4.3 million st.

Compass Minerals reported first-quarter North American fertilizer volumes down 34 percent and those for South America 15 percent, with both segments reporting operational losses. Salt on the other hand put in a better-than-expected performance, helping to keep company-wide net earnings in the plus column at $7.6 million down from the year-ago $12.6 million.

Despite improving operational rates, a 24 percent drop in first-quarter fertilizer sales volumes weighed on LSB Industries Inc.’s results. The company posted a net loss of $11.5 million, up from the year-ago $5.6 million.

The MMTC tender closed May 1. As expected, offered prices were higher. The lowest offered price for the West Coast came from Koch at $279.70/my CFR and for the East Coast from Samsung at $285.70/mt CFR. These prices compare to $251/mt CFR and $262/mt CFR respectively.

Sirius Minerals plc has announced the launch of its ‘markets-led’ Stage 2 project financing which aims to fund the remaining elements of its North Yorkshire polyhalite mine and processing plant project to completion. The US$3.8 billion financing will comprise a US$400 million equity fundraising, a US$644 million issue of convertible bonds, a US$500 million senior secured bond issue, and a credit facility for up to a maximum of US$2.5 billion. Sirius has signed an engagement letter with JP Morgan for the proposed US$2.5 billion revolving credit facility. It is contingent upon the completion of the full US$500 million bond issue, before Oct. 30 2019.

CVR Partners LP, Sugar Land, Texas, reported a 16.5 percent drop in first-quarter UAN sales volumes though prices were up. Ammonia sales were stable versus year-ago levels. Citing current good movement and high corn acreage expectations, CVR is optimistic about the second quarter. Company-wide, CVR posted a $6.1 million loss, an improvement over the year-ago loss of $19 million.

While fertilizer movement picked up in late March and April, Martin Midstream Partners LP, Kilgore, Texas, reported a 24 percent drop in first-quarter fertilizer sales volumes. Operating income was down in the company’s Sulfur Services segment, as well as company-wide, with MMLP posting a net loss of $3.6 million down from year-ago net income of $15 million.

Martin Midstream Partners LP, Kilgore, Texas, said April 24 that it has put its gas storage assets on the market and is also in active negotiations to sale certain non-core assets and/or businesses.

North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum today signed an executive order granting an hours of service (HOS) waiver for drivers of commercial vehicles transporting anhydrous ammonia and other fertilizers. It was requested by State Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring and will remain in effect through May 31.

Compass Minerals, Overland Park, Kan., said April 23 that Kevin S. Crutchfield will become the company’s president and CEO and serve as a member of its board of directors, effective May 7, 2019. He joins Compass with more than 30 years of mining experience, most recently as CEO of Contura Energy Inc., a publicly-trade coal producer.