Topic: How To Invest

Now that ample supplies of low-cost natural gas seem assured in North America, are there any companies that will see a significant increase in earnings as a result? Thank you.

Article Excerpt

Many manufacturers will indirectly benefit from low natural gas prices. That’s because prices for things that are made using gas, such as electricity and plastic packaging, will drop. But one company that gains in a more direct way from lower gas prices is Agrium Inc., $95.53, symbol AGU on Toronto (Shares outstanding: 158.0 million; Market cap: $15.1 billion; www.agrium.com) Agrium uses natural gas to make fertilizers. For example, gas makes up 80% of the cost of nitrogen fertilizer, its main product. Agrium sells to farmers and industrial users through its more than 1,200 stores in North America, South America and Australia. The company’s plants benefit further from its access to North American natural gas, which costs 60% to 80% less than the gas available to its competitors in the Ukraine and Western Europe. Fertilizer demand should keep rising over the long term, particularly as countries with growing populations, such as China and India, try to increase their crop yields. Agrium is a buy. buy. …