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Mosaic Makes the Correct Market Call

By Toby Shute – Updated Apr 6, 2017 at 12:38PM

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Despite getting the outlook right, the company's shares aren't going anywhere.

When we last checked in on Mosaic (NYSE: MOS), the company was striking a positive tone on its outlook for phosphate and potash fertilizers in 2010. PotashCorp (NYSE: POT) undercut that sunny stance a few weeks later, as it issued some meager earnings guidance.

It's now pretty clear that Mosaic was right to be positive on the fertilizer rebound, and that the latter company was sandbagging everyone.

First, Agrium (NYSE: AGU) backed up Mosaic's bullish view in February, essentially communicating that the famine was over. Specifically, the company cited tight fundamentals for phosphate and a "surge" in demand for potash both in North America and abroad. About a month later, PotashCorp dramatically boosted its first-quarter guidance, from $0.70-$1.00 per share to $1.30-$1.50 per share.

That brings us to today, with Mosaic reporting its results for its fiscal third quarter, which ended Feb. 28. Phosphate results were disappointing, but that's a result of turnarounds that lowered production. "The demand is there," in the words of the company's CFO. In the potash business, sales jumped 52% from last year's levels, as farmers resumed more typical buying patterns following 2009's lull. Potash sales prices were 37% lower this year, making the fertilizer much more affordable.

Mosaic reiterated Agrium's characterization of strong phosphate fundamentals, while noting that strong price increases have been met with "some caution." The company also repeated its warning that rising input costs may limit further margin expansion. Potash producer inventories have fallen below the three-year average, which is a pretty amazing reversal from last November.

Even though the fertilizer market has shaped up pretty much the way Mosaic indicated that it would, the shares are slightly down year to date. Only the shares of China Green Agriculture (NYSE: CGA) have sagged more. I continue to like this company, and strategic moves such as the new joint venture with Vale (NYSE: VALE) and Mitsui (Nasdaq: MITSY) in Peru appear to be wise ones. The company's long-term prospects appear stellar. I'm content to keep waiting and watching for a compelling entry point.

China Green Agriculture is a Motley Fool Global Gains recommendation. Try the worldly investment service free for 30 days.

Fool contributor Toby Shute doesn't have a position in any company mentioned. Check out his CAPS profile or follow his articles using Twitter or RSS. The Fool owns shares of China Green Agriculture and has a disclosure policy.

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Stocks Mentioned

The Mosaic Company Stock Quote
The Mosaic Company
MOS
$48.53 (-7.60%) $-3.99
Nutrien Stock Quote
Nutrien
POT
China Green Agriculture, Inc. Stock Quote
China Green Agriculture, Inc.
CGA
$6.93 (-2.43%) $0.17

*Average returns of all recommendations since inception. Cost basis and return based on previous market day close.

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