The demand for potash and phosphates exceeded expectations in the fourth quarter of 2014, boosting the bottom line for one of the world’s largest suppliers of the fertilizer and feed ingredients. Minnesota-based Mosaic Company says higher volumes and better margins helped push up the company’s fourth quarter 2014 earnings per diluted share in the range of $0.93 to $0.98 per share, including approximately $0.10 in net benefits from notable items. And Mosaic expect earnings to be in the range of $0.83 to $0.88 per share.

“Demand for potash and phosphates exceeded our expectations during the fourth quarter,” said Jim Prokopanko, President and Chief Executive Officer. “We were cautiously optimistic going into the fall application season with good crop nutrient affordability and an empty supply chain, but customers came to the market in force, as they sought to position inventory in anticipation of a strong spring season and increasing crop nutrient prices.

“At Mosaic, we were prepared to meet the surge in demand, and our results for the quarter reflect the earnings power our business can deliver in good markets. Our Phosphates business sold 3.3 million tonnes of finished product during the quarter – well above our expectations – and our Potash business produced at a high operating rate due to a successful proving run at the Colonsay mine.”

Mosaic expects strong demand for potash and phosphates continuing into 2015.