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.
9. FMC Corporation (NYSE:FMC)
Stock Upside Potential: 37.96%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 35
FMC Corporation (NYSE:FMC) is one of the best fertilizer stocks to invest in. On December 22, analysts at KeyBanc reiterated a Sector Weight rating on FMC Corp (NYSE:FMC) amid expectations of solid fourth-quarter results. While price declines are moderating in Latin America, the company faces generic competition amid softer market conditions.
The research firm expects the company’s fourth-quarter earnings and free cash flow to align with market expectations. It also expects management to provide 2026 EBITDA guidance of between $725 million and $775 million, below the current estimate of $793 million.
Amid expected earnings growth, the FMC Corporation board has approved a regular quarterly dividend of 8 cents per share, payable on January 15, 2026, to shareholders of record as of December 31, 2025. It marks the 20th consecutive year that the company has rewarded shareholders with a significant yield despite financial challenges.
The board has also approved a restructuring plan to shut down high-cost plants and shift production to lower-cost locations. The push comes as the company faces intensified competition in key markets, prompting it to reduce prices and divest assets. As part of the efforts, it expects to save $175 million or more by the end of 2027 while incurring charges of between $560 million and $635 million over the life of the program.
FMC Corporation (NYSE:FMC) is a global agricultural sciences company. It works to reduce reliance on conventional fertilizers through biologicals, precision agriculture, and sustainable R&D. The company develops, manufactures, and sells crop protection products, including herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides, as well as biological and precision agriculture solutions to help farmers increase crop yield, quality, and sustainability.
8. Nutrien Ltd. (NYSE:NTR)
Stock Upside Potential: 7.27%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 37
Nutrien Ltd (NYSE:NTR) is one of the best fertilizer stocks to invest in. On December 18, analysts at Mizuho raised Nutrien Ltd’s (NYSE:NTR) price target to $65 from $61 while reiterating a Neutral rating. The stock has rallied about 36% in 2025.
Following the impressive run, Nutrien Ltd also completed the sale of its 50% equity position in Argentina-based nitrogen producer Profertil S.A. to Adecoagro S.A. and Asociacion de Cooperativas Argentinas Coop Ltd on December 10. The $600 million divestment represents an essential step in the company’s push to streamline its portfolio.
“Closing the sale of our equity stake in Profertil demonstrates continued progress towards simplifying our portfolio, enhancing earnings quality, and improving cash conversion,” said Ken Seitz, Nutrien’s President and CEO. “We intend to allocate the proceeds towards capital allocation priorities that support our ability to grow free cash flow per share over the long term, including targeted growth investments, share repurchases and debt reduction.”
Since the fourth quarter of 2024, Nutrien has generated $900 million in gross proceeds from asset sales that focused on agricultural inputs. The company plans to use the net proceeds from the sale to fund capital priorities, including growth investments, share repurchases, and debt reduction.
Nutrien Ltd. (NYSE:NTR) is the world’s largest provider of crop inputs and services, involved in the entire agricultural value chain. It produces potash, nitrogen, and phosphate fertilizers (upstream), distributes them globally (midstream), and sells them directly to farmers.
7. SiteOne Landscape Supply, Inc. (NYSE:SITE)
Stock Upside Potential: 13.60%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 38
SiteOne Landscape Supply Inc (NYSE:SITE) is one of the best fertilizer stocks to invest in. On December 18, BofA Securities initiated coverage of the stock with a Buy rating and a $147 price target. The positive stance comes from the research firm, echoing the company’s status as the largest wholesale distributor of landscaping supplies in North America.
According to BofA, SiteOne Landscape Supply Inc (NYSE:SITE) controls 18% market share in a fragmented market with significant growth potential. Owing to its edge in the segment, the research firm believes consensus estimates underappreciate the EBITDA margin upside potential, given improvements at the company’s focus branches, which serve as wholesale centers.
On the other hand, the company’s EBITDA estimates for 2026 and 2027 are 3% and 5% above consensus, respectively. Likewise, there are higher projections driven by the expectation of improved EBITDA margins. Nevertheless, the research firm is also wary of deteriorating macroeconomic conditions and elevated SG&A inflation.
Analysts at Barclays have also expressed confidence in the company’s long-term prospects. On December 8, the analysts upgraded the stock to EqualWeight from Underweight and raised the price target to $134 from $120. According to the investment bank, the company has made significant progress on SG&A management. Likewise, it has achieved favorable pricing despite deflationary commodity conditions.
SiteOne Landscape Supply Inc (NYSE:SITE) is the largest national wholesale distributor of landscape, irrigation, and nursery supplies in the U.S. and Canada, serving green industry professionals with a vast product range, including irrigation, fertilizers, hardscape, lighting, tools, and plants.
6. Trimble Inc. (NASDAQ:TRMB)
Stock Upside Potential: 25.75%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 40
Trimble Inc. (NASDAQ:TRMB) is one of the best fertilizer stocks to invest in. On December 16, KeyBanc upgraded Trimble Inc. (NASDAQ:TRMB) to an Overweight from Sector Weight and set a $99 price target. The upgrade underscores the research firm’s confidence in the company’s prospects, with low-teens annual recurring revenue and a double-digit earnings-per-share growth framework.
According to the research firm, the growth metrics support multiple expansion of the company’s valuation to about 30X, in line with broader industrial peers. Likewise, KeyBanc expects end-market recovery to drive further upside.
On December 8, analysts at Oppenheimer reiterated an Outperform rating and a $102 price target, impressed by the company’s growth potential. The research firm remains confident that the company will achieve mid-teens annual recurring revenue growth.
The growth would be supported by the long tail of cross-sell and upsell opportunities within its existing customer base. The research firm is also banking on the geographic expansion of bundles and platforms in Europe, as well as on macroeconomic factors affecting transportation and the field solutions segment, to fuel growth.
According to Oppenheimer’s analysis, management believes that market leaders will be those who “dominate the bottom of the pyramid,” which makes boosting SMB penetration the second growth driver.
Trimble Inc. (NASDAQ:TRMB) is a leading precision agriculture company that helps farmers cut fertilizer use through smarter applications. Its technologies, such as Variable Rate and selective spraying, ensure inputs are applied only where and when needed. Tools like the Field‑IQ system use GPS and sensors to manage fertilizer, seed, and crop protection with accuracy, lowering costs and reducing waste.
5. CF Industries Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:CF)
Stock Upside Potential: 19.73%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 41
CF Industries Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:CF) is one of the best fertilizer stocks to invest in. On December 19, Japan’s biggest power generator, JERA, which has inked a joint venture with CF Industries Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:CF), confirmed it has secured a subsidy for 15 years.
The subsidy is to cover the difference between ammonia and coal prices as it moves to start importing ammonia for its planned US plant. JERA is in the process of building the world’s most extensive low-carbon ammonia facilities in Louisiana in partnership with CF Industries Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CF) for $4 billion as part of the Blue Point project.
CF Industries Holdings holds a 40% stake in the Blue Point project, with JERA owning 35% and Mitsui 25%. As part of the project, the trio is to leverage hydrogen and ammonia, as they don’t emit carbon dioxide when burned.
Separately, on December 18, analysts at Mizuho lowered their price target of CF Industries Holdings to $88 from $92 while reiterating a Neutral rating. The downgrade comes amid concerns of weakness in the first quarter of 2026, as was the case in the December quarter for most companies. Likewise, RBC Capital lowered its price target to $90 from $95, citing steady ag/fertilizer fundamentals in 2026.
CF Industries Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:CF)is a major global manufacturer and distributor of nitrogen and hydrogen products, primarily fertilizers (ammonia, urea, UAN, ammonium nitrate) that boost agricultural productivity.
4. The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (NYSE:SMG)
Stock Upside Potential: 11.37%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 41
The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (NYSE:SMG) is one of the best fertilizer stocks to invest in. On December 12, William Blair analyst Jon Andersen reiterated a Buy rating on Scotts Miracle-Gro Co (NYSE: SMG), impressed by the company’s 2026 guidance.
The company has already hinted at consumer sales growth in the low single digits that should lead to expansion in gross margin and a leverage ratio in the 3s. The projections are achievable with potential for further upside, particularly in gross margin improvements. The analysts are also confident the company will reach EBITDA of $700 million by 2028, on the back of sales growth of 2%-3% and an EBITDA margin of 20%.
Meanwhile, on December 18, the company echoed its support for President Donald Trump’s executive order focused on rescheduling cannabis from a Schedule 1 to Schedule III drug. The rescheduling is expected to strengthen the regulated cannabis industry and contribute about $100 billion to the economy. Under the new classification, companies are to pay tax rates aligned with those of other American businesses.
Additionally, the rescheduling will benefit ScottsMiracle-Gro’s Hawthorne Gardening Company subsidiary. The unit supplies nutrients, light, and other products to legal cannabis growing operations. While the unit has experienced declining capital spending from cannabis companies, it will benefit from the rescheduling of cannabis.
The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (NYSE:SMG) is a leading manufacturer and marketer of branded consumer products for lawn and garden care, offering fertilizers, pesticides, seeds, and gardening supplies for homeowners, as well as a significant business in hydroponic growing supplies.
3. The Mosaic Company (NYSE:MOS)
Stock Upside Potential: 39.40%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 47
The Mosaic Company (NYSE:MOS) is one of the best fertilizer stocks to invest in. On December 22, The Mosaic Company (NYSE:MOS) entered into a definitive agreement to sell Mosaic Potash Carlsbad to International Minerals Carlsbad for $30 million. The sale covers the operations, assets, and liabilities of the Mosaic mine in Carlsbad, New Mexico.
Under the terms of the agreement, the company is to receive an initial cash purchase price of $20 million and deferred cash consideration of $10 million, payable in three equal annual installments beginning in 2029. The transaction is to close in the first half of 2026 and record non-cash asset impairment in the fourth quarter.
Following the sale, The Mosaic Company will focus on operations in Saskatchewan, Canada, to enhance potash production, which is expected to generate strong returns. The divestment also aligns with the company’s broader strategy, which focuses on streamlining its asset base and concentrating potash production on higher-return operations.
The sale comes as Wall Street analysts remain bullish on the stock, with a consensus Moderate Buy rating and a $33 price target, implying 39% upside. Meanwhile, on December 18, Mizuho analyst Edlain Rodriguez lowered the stock’s price target to $28 from $31 and reiterated a Neutral rating. According to the analyst, increased exports out of China are weighing significantly on the most basic chemical markets.
The Mosaic Company (NYSE:MOS) is a global leader in crop nutrition, mining, producing, and distributing essential fertilizer nutrients, such as potash and phosphate, to help farmers worldwide increase crop yields and food production.
2. Corteva, Inc. (NYSE:CTVA)
Stock Upside Potential: 16.96%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 57
Corteva Inc. (NYSE:CTVA) is one of the best fertilizer stocks to invest in. On December 16, the company confirmed a multi-million-dollar joint venture with Hexagon Bio to accelerate the development of new crop protection solutions inspired by nature. The two are joining forces to develop transformative therapies for patients while also delivering new modes of action for global agriculture.
The partnership is to bring together Corteva’s billion-dollar nature-inspired crop protection franchises and bacterial natural product discovery capabilities with Hexagon Bio’s natural product discovery platform. The platform combines microbial genetics, artificial intelligence, chemistry, and synthetic biology to identify and characterize novel natural products, uncovering diverse mechanisms.
“Our partnership with Hexagon Bio expands our discovery engine, taking our crop protection innovation to the next level,” said Sam Eathington, chief technology and digital officer for Corteva. “As demand for nature-inspired solutions continues to grow, this collaboration allows us to move faster and think bigger to provide farmers with the latest options in effective and sustainable tools.”
On December 19, Citi analyst Patrick Cunningham reaffirmed a Hold rating on Corteva and set a $70 price target. Earlier, on December 4, analysts at Jefferies reiterated a Buy rating on Corteva and set an $85 price target. The bullish stance follows the European Union’s provisional agreement on new genomic techniques (NGTs). The research firm expects a new regulatory framework to accelerate product launches to 5 times the rate of GMO technologies at just 30% of the research and development intensity.
Corteva, Inc. (NYSE:CTVA) is a global pure-play agriculture company that provides farmers with innovative seed, crop protection (herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, seed treatments), and digital solutions to boost productivity, manage pests and weeds, and improve yields sustainably. Its innovations: such as nitrogen stabilizers, phosphorus‑unlocking microbes, and nutrient‑guidance platforms, help farmers boost yields, improve soil health, and reduce fertilizer use.
1. Deere & Company (NYSE:DE)
Stock Upside Potential: 9.68%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 67
Deere & Company (NYSE:DE) is one of the best fertilizer stocks to invest in. On December 22, Deere & Company (NYSE:DE) announced an agreement to acquire Tenna, a Pennsylvania-based construction technology firm owned by The Conti Group. Tenna’s platform helps contractors track and manage mixed-fleet equipment in real time, improving visibility, planning, and jobsite efficiency. The company will continue operating independently under its brand, with the deal expected to close in February 2026 pending regulatory approval.
Earlier on December 9, BMO Capital Markets maintained a Market Perform rating on Deere & Company (NYSE:DE) and kept a $460 price target. The positive stance is in response to the farm equipment manufacturer outlining ambitious five-year targets.
The company is targeting earnings per share of about $40 to $45 by fiscal 2030, backed by a 10% compound annual revenue growth rate and 20% margins. The company boasts of a 5-year revenue CAGR of 5%. Deere expects its sales to total $63 billion by 2030 as it grows its enterprise recurring revenue to 10% of total revenue. It also aims to achieve a fully autonomous production system for corn and soybean farming.
The company achieving the revenue and earnings targets could see the stock’s valuation climbing to between $600 and $700, according to BMO analyst Joel Jackson. BMO expects the company to achieve ambitious targets, supported by a compelling strategy that includes North American excavators and continued significant agricultural innovation.
Meanwhile, Jefferies analyst Stephen Volkmann has echoed similar sentiments, raising the stock’s price target to $475 from $440 while maintaining a Hold rating. The price target hike is in response to management outlining a sharpened 2030 framework.
Deere & Company (NYSE:DE) known for its John Deere brand, designs, manufactures, and sells agricultural, construction, and forestry machinery, along with lawn/turf care equipment, engines, and drivetrain components, while also providing financial services, focusing on technology like AI and robotics for precision farming. Deere & Company also reduces fertilizer use with precision tools like ExactShot, ExactRate, See & Spray, Fertilizer‑Level Sensing, and Rate Controller 3, all designed to cut waste through targeted application.
While we acknowledge the potential of DE to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than DE and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock.
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