Mosaic Posts Lower Q4 Profit - Quick Facts

(RTTNews) - Fertilizer firm the Mosaic Co. 's (MOS) fourth-quarter net earnings slid to $486 million, or $1.14 a share, from $507 million, or $1.19 a share, a year before. Quarterly operating earnings totaled $621 million, lower than $671 million reported in the prior-year period, as potash and strong phosphate sales volumes were more than offset by lower realized prices.

During in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, the firm clocked net sales of $2.7 billion, down from last year's $2.8 billion. Five analysts polled by Thomson Reuters estimated revenues of $2.54 billion for the quarter.

Looking ahead to the third quarter, Mosaic estimates SG&A expenses to range from $95 million - $105 million, Canadian Resource Taxes and Royalties to range from $60 million - $80 million, and Brine managements costs of around $50 million - $60 million. For the seven-month stub period, Mosaic expects an effective tax rate in the mid-twenty percent range, excluding any notable tax items.

The company said in a statement, "The long-term outlook for Mosaic remains compelling, and we are executing well to capture the opportunity."