Yara reports increased deliveries and improved margin trend

Fourth-quarter EBITDA was USD 586 million, compared with USD 1,067 million a year earlier. Net income was USD 246 million (USD 0.96 per share) compared with USD 766 million (USD 3.02 per share) in fourth quarter 2022.

The main elements of the fourth-quarter results are:

• EBITDA of 586 MUSD, improving trend since 2Q23

• 4% increase in crop nutrition deliveries

• 1 BUSD full-year free cash flow

• Increased buying activity and rising prices indicate volume catch-up in 1H2024

• NOK 5 per share annual dividend proposed

″Following strong financial results in 2022, the results in 2023 were impacted by significantly lower market prices and one-off position effects. EBITDA for the quarter is 586 MUSD and I am pleased to see an improving trend since second quarter, and a positive market trend going into 2024. We propose an annual dividend of NOK 5 per share, in line with our capital allocation policy,″ said Svein Tore Holsether, President and Chief Executive Officer at Yara.

So far this season, nitrogen supply is lower than normal both in Europe and the US, indicating a tighter global balance for the first half of 2024. Fertilizer affordability has improved during the quarter, and optimal application rates for wheat in Europe are currently around six percent higher than a year ago. The start of 2024 has seen increased buying activity and higher prices, signalling a potential volume catch-up into the main application season in the Northern hemisphere.

″As we now embark on a new year, Yara is well positioned with a strong track record also in more volatile markets. I am confident in our strategic progress, with a focus on optimizing and decarbonizing our asset footprint, and contributing to decarbonizing shipping fuel, the food value chain and other energy-intensive industries,″ said Holsether.

The energy transition, climate crisis and food security are top priorities globally. With its leading food solutions and ammonia positions, Yara is uniquely positioned to drive these transformations. Furthermore, the volatile operating conditions of the past years have shown the resilience of Yara’s global and flexible business model. Yara’s strategy is focused on further strengthening operational resilience and flexibility, and profitable growth in low-carbon ammonia, capturing value within decarbonized premium crop nutrition solutions while also unlocking growth in new ammonia markets. This will support the transformation of the global food system, generate long-term growth opportunities and drive progress towards Yara’s ambition of growing a nature-positive food future.