Nutrien Reports Net Earnings of $139 Million in First Quarter
The crop inputs provider saw sales rise to $6.046 billion from $5.1 billion in the same period last year
Nutrien Ltd. (NTR), a global provider of crop inputs and services, reported net earnings of $139 million for the three months ended March 31, 2026. The company reported diluted net earnings per share of 0.27 a share, compared to 0.02 a share in the first quarter of 2025.
Sales for the period rose to $6.046 billion from $5.1 billion a year earlier. The company attributed the growth to record potash sales volumes and stronger performance in its Nitrogen and Retail segments.
Potash adjusted EBITDA increased to $578 million. This growth was driven by higher global benchmarks and record sales volumes. The company increased potash production and maintained a controllable cash cost of product manufactured below $60 per tonne. Net sales for the potash segment rose 24% to $926 million.
Nitrogen adjusted EBITDA increased to $482 million, primarily due to higher global benchmarks. North American nitrogen plants operated at an ammonia operating rate of 92% during the quarter.
Retail adjusted EBITDA rose to $108 million. The company cited higher crop nutrient sales volumes and stronger gross margins for proprietary products in Australia and the US. Sales of crop nutrients in the Retail segment rose to $1.483 billion from $1.194 billion. The company also completed a tuck-in acquisition of a retail business in the US corn belt.
Operating expenses increased during the quarter, with selling expenses rising to $799 million from $757 million. Share-based compensation expense rose to $116 million from $42 million.
Cash used in operating activities was $851 million for the three months ended March 31. The company returned $409 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases during the first quarter.
Nutrien is currently reviewing strategic alternatives for its Brazilian Retail business, Trinidad Nitrogen facility, and Phosphate business. The company reaffirmed its full-year guidance ranges.