PotashCorp Q4 Profit Climbs, Sales Grow - Quick Facts

(RTTNews) - Agricultural nutrients maker Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc. (POT, POT.TO) Thursday said fourth-quarter earnings climbed to $407 million or $0.49 per share from $230 million or $0.26 per share generated in the same quarter in 2013.

On average, 24 analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected earnings of $0.46 per share for the quarter. Analysts' estimates typically exclude special items.

Sales grew to $1.902 billion from $1.541 billion in the prior year. Analysts expected revenues of $1.67 billion.

PotashCorp President and CEO Jochen Tilk said, "Record potash sales volumes, combined with higher realizations across all three nutrients, raised our quarterly earnings near the upper end of our guidance range. As we look ahead, we see a supportive market environment - most notably in potash."

We are ready to respond should demand for this nutrient prove stronger than expected and, as we balance operational flexibility with efficiencies, we believe PotashCorp is well positioned should conditions be more challenging, Tilk added.

Looking ahead, the company forecast full-year 2015 earnings of $1.90-$2.20 per share, including first-quarter earnings of $0.45-$0.55 per share.

Wall Street looks for first-quarter earnings of $0.50 per share, and full year earnings $2.12 per share.