In this article, we highlight the 11 Best Fertilizer Stocks to Invest In.
Fertilizer prices climbed to record highs in 2022 due to tight global supplies, energy shocks, and trade disruptions. While prices eased somewhat in 2023 and 2024 as energy markets stabilized and supply chains recovered, they are now edging higher.
Phosphate prices are rising the most, while nitrogen prices are more volatile, and potash prices are increasing due to trade policy risks. Josh Linville, StoneX Vice President of Fertilizer expects fertilizer prices to continue edging higher in 2026 due to tight global phosphate supply. Phosphate supply issues could trigger a significant price spike.
“China is normally the world’s largest exporter of phosphate. They normally export 8-to-10 million tons. I will be thrilled if they hit 4.5 million tons this year, and unfortunately, there’s nobody else to fill that gap. The global supply and demand for phosphate is very tight, and that’s why you’re seeing the price as high as it is,” says Linville.
Trade policies will continue to affect fertilizer markets in 2026. In the past year, the European Union imposed tariffs on Russian fertilizer, prompting a shift in supply to countries like Brazil and India. This reduced fertilizer availability in some markets and kept prices high. U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods have also affected potash prices.
MarketsandMarkets expects the global fertilizer market to grow from $230 billion in 2025 to $281.56 billion by 2030, with a 4.1% annual growth rate. This growth is driven by higher food demand and more sustainable farming. Some companies are well-positioned to benefit from their key products and solutions.
Amid the expected tight phosphate and expected growth, now would be the best time to look at some best fertilizer stocks to invest in.
Our Methodology
To compile our list of the best fertilizer stocks to invest in, we looked at agriculture ETFs like VanEck Agribusiness ETF (MOO), First Trust Global Agriculture ETF (FTAG ), and iShares MSCI Agriculture Producers ETF (VEGI). We highlighted top fertilizer producers, farm equipment firms, and automation companies aiming to lower fertilizer reliance. We focused on stocks that analysts believe have growth potential. Finally, we ranked the best fertilizer stocks to invest in based on the number of hedge funds that hold stakes in them in the third quarter of 2025.
Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research shows we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 427.7% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 264 percentage points (see more details here).
Best Fertilizer Stocks to Invest In
11. ICL Group Ltd (NYSE:ICL)
Stock Upside Potential: 3.69%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 11
ICL Group Ltd (NYSE:ICL) is one of the best fertilizer stocks to invest in. On December 18, ICL Group Ltd (NYSE:ICL) expanded its footprint into the global food ingredient segment with the acquisition of Bartek Ingredients. With the acquisition, the company gains access to a worldwide leader in food-grade malic and fumaric acid. The first phase of the acquisition will close in the first quarter of 2026 and involves a cash investment of about $90 million.
Bartek distributes products to more than 40 countries while operating the only vertically integrated maleic anhydride and food-grade malic and fumaric acid production facilities in North America. Its business generates $65 million in annual revenue.
The acquisition positions ICL for further growth, leveraging its existing global food presence to expand into other food ingredient segments.
“This acquisition also advances our recently refined strategy, which focuses on the significant growth engines of specialty crop nutrition and specialty food solutions – two areas where we already have deep experience and broad exposure. We will continue to seek additional non-organic growth opportunities in these markets, driven by a commitment to creating long-term value and sustainable growth for our shareholders,” said Elad Aharonson, president and CEO of ICL.
Meanwhile, on December 9, analysts at Barclays reiterated their Hold rating and set a price target of $6.
ICL Group Ltd (NYSE:ICL) is a global specialty minerals and chemical company. It focuses on potash and phosphate-based fertilizers while also operating in food and industrial products. The company offers standard, specialty, and controlled-release fertilizers, making it a key player in agriculture.
10. Compass Minerals International, Inc. (NYSE:CMP)
Stock Upside Potential: 16.47%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 24
Compass Minerals International, Inc. (NYSE:CMP) is one of the best fertilizer stocks to invest in. On December 23, Compass Minerals International, Inc. (NYSE:CMP) said it reached a settlement in two shareholder derivative suits filed in Kansas federal court. The cases, which accused current and former directors of misleading investors about safety testing of its fire retardants and overstating contract prospects with the U.S. Forest Service, will be resolved through governance reforms and an $850,000 payment from insurers to cover legal fees. The defendants denied wrongdoing but agreed to settle to avoid further costs, with final court approval scheduled for February 20, 2026.
On December 11, Deutsche Bank cut its price target on Compass Minerals International, Inc. to $21 from $22 while maintaining a Buy rating. In a note to investors, the analyst pointed out that the company’s outlook for highway deicing volumes in fiscal 2026 is tracking well below earlier expectations.
On December 9, Compass Minerals International Inc. posted fourth‑quarter 2025 results with a smaller loss than expected, reporting EPS of ‑$0.17 versus the forecasted ‑$0.23. Revenue also topped estimates, rising to $227.5 million from $223.6 million. The company simultaneously expanded its board from eight to twelve members, adding four new directors as part of its strategic plan. Following the appointment, the board has also established a new Capital Allocation and Technical committee tasked with supporting core business operations.
Compass Minerals International, Inc. (NYSE:CMP) is a leading producer and supplier of essential minerals, primarily salt (for deicing, water conditioning, food, and industrial uses) and plant nutrients (like sulfate of potash a premium fertilizer used for high-value crops like fruits, vegetables, and nuts). They also extract magnesium chloride and operate a unique underground records management business in the UK.
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