Good time to buy more Agrium

Article Excerpt

Fertilizer maker Agrium has dropped from its peak of $98 in February 2011. That’s mainly due to fears that the global economy is entering another recession. Still, Agrium’s long-term outlook remains strong. That’s largely because rising prosperity in developing regions, such as Asia and Latin America, continues to spur demand for higher-quality food. In response, farmers are applying more fertilizer to increase their crop yields. As well, rising use of corn for fuel additives, such as ethanol, should continue to support fertilizer prices. Another plus for Agrium is that it uses natural gas to make its products. New shale gas discoveries in North America have increased gas supply and depressed prices. Agrium’s exposure to fertilizer prices makes it more volatile than other stocks we recommend, but we feel its growth prospects and its expanding retail business offset this risk. AGRIUM INC. $75 (Toronto symbol AGU; Aggressive Growth Portfolio, Resources sector; Shares outstanding: 158.0 million; Market cap: $11.9 billion; Price-to-sales ratio:…