Fritz Corrigan Chasing Quotations

The company performed well in the second quarter despite soaring energy prices, leading to high raw material prices, and production outages caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. We remain focused on executing our business strategy, managing our operating costs, improving our business systems, and producing to meet expected demand. At the same time, energy-driven record high fertilizer prices have caused many of our customers to delay their purchasing decisions. As a result we expect a challenging third quarter.

Looking to the remainder of our fiscal year, we anticipate stronger fourth quarter sales, but expect a much weaker third quarter in light of continued delays in our customers' purchasing decisions. In response, we have cut back our production of potash and phosphates to limit increases in our inventories, especially because of current high raw material costs, and to better match supply with current purchasing activity. As a consequence, the industry may face acute logistical challenges when spring season begins if domestic shipments don't accelerate soon.