Nutrien tops profit estimates, launches review of phosphate business

Nutrien beat analysts’ expectations for third-quarter profit on Wednesday, and said it would initiate a review of strategic alternatives for its phosphate business.

U.S.-listed shares of the Canadian company rose 1.8 per cent after the bell.

The review could include reconfiguring operations, strategic partnerships or a potential sale, the company said, as part of the fertilizer maker’s efforts to simplify its portfolio and boost free cash flow.

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Phosphate markets have remained tight in 2025, with global shipments being constrained by supply availability including from Chinese export restrictions. Meanwhile, weaker affordability for phosphate fertilizers has also hit demand.

However, a robust planting season and healthy crops in several parts of North America and lower prices have boosted demand for potash fertilizers.

Nutrien, the world’s top potash producer, said total sales were $6.01 billion (C$8.49 billion) for the third quarter, compared with $5.35 billion (C$7.56 billion), a year earlier.

Potash sales rose 27 per cent to $1.12 billion, while phosphate sales climbed 20 per cent to $495 million during the July-September period.

The Saskatoon-based firm posted an adjusted profit of 97 cents per share for the three months ended September 30, compared with analysts’ average estimate of 95 cents per share, according to data compiled by LSEG.

— Reporting by Vallari Srivastava in Bengaluru