Germany-based potash producer K+S posted higher revenues in the third quarter, as higher prices and stronger specialty fertilizer sales offset lower MOP sales.
Agricultural revenues reached €642mn, up by 4pc from €615.3mn a year earlier.
Within this sector, revenues from specialty fertilizers rose by 14pc on the year to almost €308mn, whereas MOP revenues fell by 3pc to about €334mn.
Overall agricultural sales excluding trade goods fell by 7pc on the year to 1.61mn t. Sales of speciality fertilizers rose by 8pc to 780,000t while MOP sales fell by 7pc to 990,000t.
The figures reflect its strategy of focusing on high-value products including a drive to boost sales of its Korn-Kali fertilizer in the international market. Korn-Kali is a specialty potassium and magnesium fertilizer product containing 38pc K₂O, 6pc MgO and 12pc SO3.
Sales were also affected by maintenance at its Bethune mine in Canada during the quarter.
The average price in its agricultural sector for the quarter rose by 6pc on the year to €363.30/t. Average specialty fertilizer and MOP prices increased by 5pc to €395.10/t and €338.30/t, respectively.
Overseas revenues increased by 17pc on the year to €461.6mn, while sales rose by 8pc to 1.12mn t. This offset lower European sales, where revenues fell by 13pc to €240.8mn and volumes dropped by 17pc to 640,000t.
Earnings, sales outlook
K+S narrowed its 2026 earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda) forecast to €700mn-750mn from €680mn-760mn previously.
The company kept its agricultural sales forecast at 7.4mn-7.6mn t for 2026.
