NTR Nutrien Ltd

Nutrien Ltd., the world's largest potash producer, has streamlined its operations by selling off US$900 million in non-core assets and focusing on potash, a key fertilizer mineral plentiful in Saskatchewan. The company aims to increase potash shipments in 2024 due to growing global demand, especially from India and China. Nutrien is also exploring new shipping terminals in the US, like Longview, Wash., to improve supply chain reliability and competitiveness, a move that has caused some controversy in Canada.

Mizuho has raised its price target on Nutrien Ltd. (NTR) to $65 from $61, maintaining a Neutral rating, as part of their 2026 outlook despite persistent sector pressures like China's high export volumes. Nutrien recently streamlined its portfolio by selling its 50% equity stake in Argentina-based Profertil S.A. for $600 million, contributing to $900 million in asset sales since Q4 2024 to strengthen its balance sheet.

Nutrien Ltd. stock has been undergoing a quiet consolidation, caught between soft fertilizer prices and investor expectations for a cyclical recovery. Despite a double-digit percentage loss over the past year due to a sharp reset in nitrogen and potash pricing, analysts currently maintain a neutral stance, acknowledging Nutrien's scale and balance sheet strength while awaiting clear signs of a pricing cycle turnaround. The future performance of the stock will largely depend on crop price resilience, farmer profitability, and tightening supply discipline in the fertilizer market.

Nutrien Ltd. has shifted its strategy from nitrogen production to potash expansion after shutting down its ammonia and urea operations in Trinidad. This decision was driven by port access restrictions and unreliable natural gas supply. The company is selling off non-core assets, generating nearly $900 million, to refocus capital on stronger economic areas like potash.

MarketBeat's stock screener has identified five fertilizer companies—Mosaic (MOS), Nutrien (NTR), CF Industries (CF), CVR Energy (CVI), and ICL Group (ICL)—as top stocks to watch on December 26th due to their high dollar trading volume. The article highlights that fertilizer stocks are cyclical, influenced by factors such as crop prices, planting seasons, commodity costs, and geopolitical developments. It provides a brief overview of each company and their core operations in the fertilizer and related agricultural sectors.

Nutrien Ltd. (NTR-T) stock which traded between $60 and $82 for most of 2024, has recently shown a breakout suggesting a new uptrend. A sustained rise above $83-85 would confirm this bullish trend, with potential price targets of $95 and $105. Investors should monitor the $77-78 support level, as a drop below it would negate the positive outlook.