NUTRIEN QUARTERLY PROFIT MORE THAN DOUBLES

Fertilizer maker Nutrien Ltd posted on Wednesday adjusted profit that more than doubled in the fourth quarter, helped by higher demand for potash. Saskatoon-based Nutrien said it expects annual adjusted profit to range between US$2.05 per share and $2.75 per share, the mid-point of which was higher than analysts’ average estimate of $2.38 per share. Core earnings from its potash segment jumped 47 per cent to $219 million. The company posted adjusted net income of $138 million, or 24 cents per share, in the quarter ended Dec. 31.