Yara, a global leader in crop nutrition and sustainable solutions, recently announced its fourth-quarter results for 2023, highlighting both challenges and opportunities in the agricultural sector. Despite a decline in EBITDA compared to the previous year, the company remains optimistic about its improving trend and positive market outlook for 2024.
Key highlights from the fourth-quarter results include:
- EBITDA Performance: Despite a decrease in EBITDA to USD 586 million compared to USD 1,067 million in the previous year, Yara notes an improving trend since the second quarter of 2023.
- Crop Nutrition Deliveries: Yara saw a 4% increase in crop nutrition deliveries, indicating continued demand for its products.
- Free Cash Flow: The company reported a full-year free cash flow of 1 BUSD, reflecting its financial stability and liquidity.
- Dividend Proposal: Yara proposes an annual dividend of NOK 5 per share, aligning with its capital allocation policy and commitment to shareholder returns.
Svein Tore Holsether, President and CEO of Yara, acknowledged the impact of lower market prices and one-off position effects on the company’s financial performance in 2023. However, he expressed optimism about the positive market trends going into 2024 and emphasized Yara’s resilience in navigating volatile market conditions.
Looking ahead, Yara anticipates a tighter global balance in nitrogen supply for the first half of 2024, driven by lower-than-normal supply in Europe and the US. The company notes improved fertilizer affordability and increased buying activity, signaling a potential volume catch-up in the coming months.
Holsether reiterated Yara’s strategic focus on optimizing and decarbonizing its asset footprint, contributing to the decarbonization of shipping fuel, the food value chain, and other energy-intensive industries. Yara aims to leverage its leading food solutions and position in ammonia to drive transformations in the energy transition, climate crisis, and food security.
Yara’s strategy emphasizes operational resilience, flexibility, and profitable growth in low-carbon ammonia and premium crop nutrition solutions. By capturing value in decarbonized markets and unlocking growth opportunities, Yara aims to support the transformation of the global food system and foster a nature-positive food future.
In conclusion, Yara’s fourth-quarter results underscore its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and long-term growth. Despite challenges in the agricultural sector, Yara remains poised to navigate uncertainties and drive positive change in the industry.
