"Commodity prices are surging. But rather than recommending a pure commodity play, I'm intrigued by Deere & Co. (DE), the world's largest manufacturer of lawn and farm equipment," says Dr. Melvin Pasternak.

The editor of Trade of the Week explains, "The stock not only benefits from strong commodity prices, but also more profits for farmers. And with farmers seeing fatter profits from their crops, many are taking the money and putting it into new farm equipment.

"According to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, September sales of row-crop tractors increased by +46.9% from August, while four-wheel drive tractor sales rose +20.5%.

Continue reading Deere & Co. (DE): Bet on 'Big Green'

Deere & Co. (DE): Bet on 'Big Green' originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 02 Nov 2010 10:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Market Vectors Agribusiness ETF (MOO) offers a great opportunity to capitalize on the move in the sector; the fund focuses on the 40 most actively traded companies in the agriculture chemical and product business," says Jim Farrish.

The exchange-traded fund specialist and editor of SectorExchange.com explains, "Below, we review the ETF as well as some individual agriculture-based stocks poised to break out on the upside.

"The agriculture stocks have been moving up aggressively since the end of June. The initial push came on the drought issues in Russia and wheat production.

Continue reading Agribusinesses ETF (MOO): Farming Favorites

Agribusinesses ETF (MOO): Farming Favorites originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 26 Oct 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"The hunt for high-yield in the agriculture sector only turns up a few names that fit our appetite for fat dividends and the potential for serious upside capital appreciation," says Bryan Perry.

The growth & income specialist and editor of The Cash Machine explains, "That said, let's get long shares of Terra Nitrogen Co. LP (TNH), a master limited partnership which offers a current yield of 10.1%.

The fertilizer sector is not only resilient, but now has an M&A premium attached to it because of the hostile bid for Potash by BHP Billiton.

Continue reading Terra Nitrogen (TNH): High Growth in Fertilizers

Terra Nitrogen (TNH): High Growth in Fertilizers originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 07 Oct 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"The agriculture-related stocks continue to move into my top tier of highest scoring stocks; add to this, BHP Billiton's hostile take-over bid for Potash Corp. and it is easy to see how investor interest in this segment of the market appears to be heating up," says Mike Turner.

The editor of Mastering the Markets explains, "One favorite in the sector is Mosaic (MOS). With a market capitalization of $25.2 billion, produces potash, one of the primary ingredients in fertilizer.

Continue reading Mosaic (MOS): A 'Bull-Mode' Buy in Fertilizers

Mosaic (MOS): A 'Bull-Mode' Buy in Fertilizers originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 07 Sep 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Agribusiness Favorites: Monsanto (MON) & Bunge (BG)

Agribusiness Favorites: Monsanto (MON) & Bunge (BG) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 10 Jun 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

This post is part of a special report, Top Picks for 2010, the 27th annual survey in which TheStockAdvisors.com asks the nation's leading advisors for their single favorite stock for the new year. See all 80 stocks listed here.

"Monsanto (MON) is my top investment idea for 2010," says Sy Harding, an advisor well-known for his seasonal timing strategies.

In his Street Smart Report, he observes, "Monsanto is the world's leading provider of biotech-advanced seeds and agricultural products for growers; seeds for corn, soybeans, cotton, fruit, and vegetables, which are produced by its genomics division."

Continue reading Top Picks for 2010: Monsanto (MON)

Top Picks for 2010: Monsanto (MON) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 24 Dec 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"I'm often drawn to companies that fly 'under the radar' or are misunderstood by investors, such as Del Monte Foods (NYSE: DLM)," says Chuck Carlson in his The DRIP Investor.

"Most people recognize the Del Monte name and the company's brands in the fruit and vegetable business. But did you know that Del Monte is also home to some of the most popular pet-food brands in the marketplace?

"Profits have been solid in recent quarters, and growth should continue in 2010. An improving ?nancial position and a rising dividend round out the appeal.

Continue reading Del Monte (DLM): Fruitful gains?

Del Monte (DLM): Fruitful gains? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Few investments have a proven track record of defying a sinking economy and stock market, but General Mills (NYSE: GIS) is among them," says Martin Weiss in his Safe Money Report.

He explains, "You probably have some of General Mills' products in your pantry or freezer. The Minneapolis-based food firm makes everything from Cheerios and Chex cereals to Fruit Roll-Ups, Bisquick pancake mix, and Haagen-Dazs ice cream.

"This broad consumer product line has helped it deliver solid single-digit earnings growth not only in good times, but also the worst quarters of the recession. Now, in its fiscal fourth quarter ended May 31, General Mills knocked the cover off the ball.

Continue reading General Mills (GIS): A pantry play

General Mills (GIS): A pantry play originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 03 Aug 2009 10:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Asia is booming again, and one industry that is growing like wildfire is 'green' tech in China," says Mark Skousen. In The Turnaround Alert, he eyes China Green Agriculture (AMEX: CGA)."

"Urban population and demand for energy is exploding, causing pollution and a reduction in per capita arable land to feed 1.4 billion Chinese.

"One way to profit is to buy China Green Agriculture, one of the fastest-growing agricultural technology companies in China.

Continue reading China Green (CGA): Agriculture and tech

China Green (CGA): Agriculture and tech originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 04 Jun 2009 10:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"In a few years we'll be staring at new highs in the prices of many natural resources," says Larry Edelson, a specialist in resource-related stocks. In Real Wealth, he looks at two exchange-traded funds focused on food and water.

"Mind you, the U.S. and global economies will not get back to the growth levels we've recently seen, not anytime soon.

"But they don't have to for natural resource prices to soar again. The chief reason they will climb again: Massive, worldwide currency devaluations, especially in the U.S. dollar.

"Moreover, natural resources will get a huge boost from the massive infrastructure spending that is now commencing around the world. I expect two key sectors in particular to get a big boost, almost immediately - agriculture and water.

Continue reading Water and agriculture: ETFs for a resources rebound

Water and agriculture: ETFs for a resources rebound originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 12 Feb 2009 12:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Investing in food is a simple story: expanding supply and demand fueled by rising global urbanization," says Yiannis Mostrous. In Personal Finance newsletter the global advisor looks at Monsanto (NYSE: MON).

"The global population is expected to surpass 9 billion by 2050. Wages are rising in emerging economies--led by India and China--and more people are moving into cities where the consistent and better paying jobs are.

"That means greater demand for protein-rich foods, especially meat and dairy consumption. The consumption of both has a strong correlation to urbanization. The result will be a permanent increase in demand for crop grains for feeding.

Continue reading Monsanto (MON): Planting the seeds of growth

Monsanto (MON): Planting the seeds of growth originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 04 Feb 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

This post is part of a special annual report -- Top Stock Picks '09 -- in which TheStockAdvisors.com asked 75 leading newsletter advisors to select their favorite investment for the new year.

"Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan (NYSE: POT), the world's largest integrated fertilizer company, is my top pick for 2009," says long-term growth stock specialist Dennis Slothower.

In his Stealth Stocks, he explains, "If you are an aggressive investor looking for a stock that has tremendous potential under an Obama massive stimulation program, Potash has significant potential."

The advisor continues, "POT is the largest producer of potash worldwide by capacity. In 2007, it estimates its potash operations represented 17% of global production and 22% of global potash capacity.

"The company is the second largest nitrogen producer worldwide by ammonia capacity. In 2007, POT estimates its nitrogen operations produced 2% of the world's ammonia production. It is also the third largest producer of phosphates worldwide by capacity.

Continue reading Top Stock Picks '09: Potash (POT)

Top Stock Picks '09: Potash (POT) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 03 Jan 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

This post is part of a special annual report -- Top Stock Picks '09 -- in which TheStockAdvisors.com asked 75 leading newsletter advisors to select their favorite investment for the new year.

"Monsanto Company (NYSE: MON), my favorite investment idea for 2009, should prosper regardless of how the economy performs," Charles Rotblut, CFA and editor of Zacks Elite.

In the same sector, Tracey Ryniec, editor of The Zacks Value Trader looks to Corn Products International (NYSE: CPO), noting, "Despite a tough economy, this 100-year old company is positioned to reap the rewards from growth in agriculture."

Regarding Monsanto, Rotblut continues, "Monsanto helps farmers improve their crop yields, via both better seeds and herbicides. In blunt terms, MON provides solutions that most farmers will view as more of a necessity than a luxury.

"The data supports this assessment. Since fiscal 2005, revenues have more than doubled, rising from $5.3 billion to $11.4 billion. Net income has jumped nearly tenfold and free cash flow is up substantially.

"Looking forward, Monsanto thinks fiscal 2009 profits will total $4.20 to $4.40 per share -- an approximate 18% increase over fiscal 2008. The company also thinks that gross profits will grow by a compound annual growth rate of 15% to 20% over the next 3 years.

Continue reading Top Stock Picks '09: Monsanto (MON) and Corn Products (CPO)

Top Stock Picks '09: Monsanto (MON) and Corn Products (CPO) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 02 Jan 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Agricultural commodities have been hurt in the recent turmoil," says growth stock expert Stephen Leeb. In The Complete Investor he looks at Mosaic (NYSE: MOS). a world leader in fertilizers.

"Mosaic has been decimated in price despite reporting record earnings. The company is the world's second-biggest producer of fertilizer components and the leading producer of potash.

"It's also the largest maker of processed phosphates, which gives it a lot of leverage to the rapidly growing markets of China and Brazil, and is an exclusive marketer of 1.2 million metric tons of nitrogen products.

"Since its high in June, the stock has lost three-fourths of its value and now trades at just 3 times next year's earnings. The sell-off came despite Mosaic's highest-ever earnings ($2.65 in the latest quarter vs. $0.69 a year earlier) and expanding gross margins (38.1% vs. 26%).

"The apparent reason was that those record earnings were slightly below some analyst estimates. Also, investors perhaps feared that farmers wouldn't be able to obtain credit to buy fertilizers.

"Once all the added liquidity puts these fears to rest, and given that the worldwide inventory of soybeans, corn, and wheat is forecasted to keep declining into 2009, we think demand for Mosaic's products will be strong.

"Long-term investors should use any temporary softness in fertilizer component prices as a great buying opportunity for Mosaic's shares."

Steven Halpern's TheStockAdvisors.com offers a daily look at the latest market commentary and favorite stock picks and investment ideas from the nation's leading financial newsletter advisors.

Mosaic (MOS): Growth in fertilizers originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 01 Dec 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Investing in agriculture-related companies has been one of our main themes for the past year, and we still favor it," say resource experts Roger Conrad and Yiannis Mostrous.

The co-editors of Vital Resource Investor note, "We're adding a new stock to the portfolio that should benefit from the increasingly higher global demand for fertilizer: Potash Corp. (NYSE: POT).

"Potash is the world's largest and lowest-cost publicly traded potash producer, the fastest-growing segment in the fertilizer business. Its potash reserves are sufficient for more than 100 years of production.

"The company controls about 70% of the world's excess capacity. Potash Corp is also the world's third-largest phosphate producer and fourth-largest nitrogen producer. Current phosphate reserves should last more than 50 years.

Continue reading Potash (POT): Planting profits for global growth

Potash (POT): Planting profits for global growth originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 13:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Agriculture-related stocks have been hammered; as a result, we are now buyers of Monsanto (NYSE: MON)," says Glenn Rogers in Gordon Pape's The Internet Wealth Builder.

"Monsanto just recently released solid earnings and raised guidance for the year. They are now looking for earnings of $3.58 to $3.60 a share, up from $3.37 previously.

"The company said the change reflected higher-than-expected sales and gross profit in its seeds and traits business and its Roundup and other glyphosate-based herbicide business.

"The stock is down almost 20% from its all-time high of $145.80 reached in mid-June, but has lately been showing signs of renewed strength. Farmers may defer the purchase of a tractor but seed is likely to be the last place they will scrimp.

"There aren't many stocks that I am actively buying in the current market conditions but Monsanto is an exception. We rate the stock a buy."

Steven Halpern's TheStockAdvisors.com offers a daily look at the latest market commentary and favorite stock picks and investment ideas from the nation's leading financial newsletter advisors.

Monsanto (MON): Planting the seeds of growth originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 22 Oct 2008 13:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"As incomes around the world rise, so does demand for food; and the explosive growth in population is aggravating the situation even further," note Yiannis Mostrous and Roger Conrad.

The co-editors of Vital Resource Investor explain, "The big cycle in food demand has begun, and long-term-oriented investors will be rewarded handsomely." What's the best play? Among their favorites is Monsanto (NYSE: MON).

"Monsanto is the undisputed leader in the genetically modified (GM) seed industry. Its business consists of two segments: Seeds/Genomics and Agricultural Productivity.

"The Seeds/Genomics segment consists of the company's global seeds and traits business, and genetic technology platforms, including biotechnology, breeding and genomics.

"The Agricultural Productivity segment consists primarily of crop protection products, residential lawn-and-garden herbicide products, and the company's animal agricultural businesses.

"Monsanto shares have been affected by the market's shorter-term gyrations, but the underlying business is extremely healthy. In fact, the seed business is currently in a sweet spot as global food demand changes dramatically.

Continue reading Monsanto (MON): Feed the world

Monsanto (MON): Feed the world originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 25 Sep 2008 10:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"The organic food industry is surprisingly resilient in an economic downturn," explains Benjamin Shepard, contributing editor with Personal Finance.

He adds, "Mainstream retailers and your corner grocer have been embracing the trend, devoting an ever-growing amount of shelf space to organic foods." Here's a trio of favorites.

"What was essentially a nascent industry in 1997 with $3.6 billion in sales has exploded to a behemoth with almost $14 billion in sales in 2006, according to the Organic Trade Association.

"And barring a major economic disaster worse than we've seen thus far, the industry looks set to continue double-digit growth well into the next decade.

"That's not to say there aren't potential troubles ahead as commodity prices continue to soar. Organic farming techniques tend to be more cost intensive--ironically enough--and transport costs continue to swell.

"But so far the industry has been able to pass the bulk of the higher costs onto consumers, and although sales volumes have dropped off and profits are down, those consumers are as dedicated as ever.

Continue reading Kraft, United Natural & Hain Celestial: Organic gains

Kraft, United Natural & Hain Celestial: Organic gains originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 29 Jul 2008 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"The soaring cost of food isn't just hitting families in the US; it's hitting everyone around the world," says Neil George. Here, in Personal Finance, he looks at some agriculture, chemical and seed plays.

"During the past five years, consumer food costs have soared by more than 117%. And that momentum is increasing; in the trailing 12 months alone, prices surged more than 52%.

"The mega-investors aren't waiting around; they're buying into other parts of the ag business-from grain elevators to ag processors and distributors-as a workaround for such potential regulation.

"You shouldn't be sitting on your hands, either. This food trend is going to be here for a while, so you better stake your claim while buyers still outnumber sellers.

"One way to invest in this trend is to step into companies that are serving the ag producers. This means the companies developing and selling engineered seeds, as well as chemicals and fertilizer products needed to not just grow crops but more bountiful and, therefore, more profitable crops.

Continue reading Growth in seeds: Chemical ag plays

Growth in seeds: Chemical ag plays originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 09 Jul 2008 10:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Cosan SA Indústria & Comércio (NYSE: CZZ) is a terrific company that is benefiting from both higher agricultural prices and higher fuel prices," says Mike Burnick in his newly-launched advisory service, Market Shock Trader.

"Sugar-cane based ethanol has been refined for years in Brazil, at a significant cost advantage to other sources of ethanol. In fact, Brazilian ethanol is about 40% cheaper to make than in the U.S. - and costs less than half the price of European ethanol.

"It doesn't require deforestation or the destruction of natural resources to cultivate it. It can be processed and refined without expensive exploration and drilling. And, it produces 5 times the energy output of corn.

"Today, ethanol accounts for 50% of Brazil's total annual automotive fuel consumption, and more than 70% of all new cars sold in the country are flex-fuel capable, able to run either on gasoline, ethanol or some combination of the two.

"And Brazil's ethanol industry has plenty of room to grow for years to come - and plenty of customers demanding its low-cost cash crop. Germany alone uses about 450 million gallons of bio-diesel a year. An estimated 50% of Europe's cars and trucks can run on this bio-fuel.

"With Brazil at the hub of the alternative fuel revolution, Cosan SA Indústria & Comércio (NYSE: CZZ) is the king-of-ethanol. And, it's also the king-of-agriculture in Brazil too. That gives you double-play profit potential as Cosan earns a fortune from both higher sugar prices and booming ethanol demand.

Continue reading Cosan (CZZ): Double-barreled bet on Brazil and biofuels

Cosan (CZZ): Double-barreled bet on Brazil and biofuels originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 16 Jun 2008 11:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.