• Adjusted EBITDA: $8.6 million for Q4 2024, compared to $7.1 million in Q4 2023.
• Adjusted Net Loss: $1.4 million for Q4 2024, compared to $5.2 million in Q4 2023.
• Potash Production: 117,000 tons in Q4 2024, a 50% increase from Q4 2023.
• Full Year Potash Production: 295,000 tons in 2024, over 30% increase from 2023.
• Trio Sales Volumes: Record 254,000 tons in 2024.
• Trio Gross Margin Improvement: $8.5 million increase in 2024 compared to 2023.
• Trio Production: 251,000 tons in 2024, best since 2016.
• Trio COGS per Ton: Improved by 20% in Q4 2024 compared to Q4 2023.
• 2025 CapEx Guidance: $36 million to $42 million.
• Potash Sales Volume Guidance for Q1 2025: 95,000 to 105,000 tons.
• Trio Sales Volume Guidance for Q1 2025: 100,000 to 110,000 tons.
• Average Net Realized Sales Price for Potash Q1 2025: $305 to $315 per ton.
• Average Net Realized Sales Price for Trio Q1 2025: $340 to $350 per ton.

• Warning! GuruFocus has detected 4 Warning Sign with IPI.

Release Date: March 04, 2025

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

Positive Points

• Intrepid Potash Inc (NYSE:IPI) reported an improvement in adjusted EBITDA to $8.6 million for Q4 2024, up from $7.1 million in the previous year.
• The company achieved a significant increase in potash production, with 117,000 tons produced in Q4 2024, marking the third consecutive quarter of year-over-year production growth.
• Trio sales volumes reached a company record of 254,000 tons, with pricing currently higher than potash for the first time since 2016.
• Operational efficiencies led to a $5 million improvement in gross margin for Trio in Q4 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.
• Intrepid Potash Inc (NYSE:IPI) maintained strong operational execution and cost discipline, resulting in improved unit economics and production rates.

Negative Points

• Intrepid Potash Inc (NYSE:IPI) reported an adjusted net loss of $1.4 million for Q4 2024, although this was an improvement from the $5.2 million loss in the previous year.
• The company recorded a valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets due to a projected 3-year pretax book loss, largely due to an impairment at the East Mine in 2023.
• Potash production for 2025 is expected to be roughly flat year-over-year, indicating limited growth in production volumes.
• The company faces risks related to potential impacts from Canadian tariffs on potash, which could affect market dynamics and pricing.
• Intrepid Potash Inc (NYSE:IPI) is cautious about capital allocation and is prioritizing sustaining higher production levels before considering capital return programs to shareholders.

Q & A Highlights

Q: How do you see the current dynamics in potash pricing, and will recent price increases impact your future sales? A: Kevin Crutchfield, CEO: We've observed global potash prices rising recently, reflecting supportive market dynamics. With 1.3 million tons off the market, demand remains steady. We expect prices to stay firm. Most of our first-quarter volumes are contracted, so we anticipate realizing recent price increases in the second quarter.

Q: With flat production expected in 2025, how do you see cost improvements continuing? A: Matthew Preston, CFO: We ended the fourth quarter with costs just under $320 per ton and expect slight improvements in 2025. Our Wendover facility is expected to boost production in the latter half of 2025, leading to further cost reductions.

Q: What impact do you anticipate from the Canadian tariffs on potash? A: Kevin Crutchfield, CEO: It's early to determine the specific impact on us. Most of our first-quarter volume is contracted, so any effects would be seen in the second quarter. We're monitoring the situation to understand market reactions.

Q: Can you elaborate on the improvements in unit economics and brine grades? A: Matthew Preston, CFO: Our capital investments in 2024 led to higher brine grades, benefiting our costs. We expect further improvements in the second half of 2025 as Wendover's production increases. Current brine grades are promising, and we continue to extract efficiently.

Q: How are you approaching capital allocation given your current cash position and asset value? A: Kevin Crutchfield, CEO: Our priority is optimizing core fertilizer assets to ensure steady free cash flow. Once we achieve this, we can discuss capital return policies. Our focus is on long-term asset durability and predictable cash generation.

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.