Take a Look at the Fertilizer Names

Today, the US Department of Agriculture release a report that said there is a shortage of crops in the United States.  This could potential be a huge opportunity for the fertilizer names, which was a sector that turned positive this afternoon.  This is a bullish sign for the sector, and based on this report, I expect there to be much more upside for the fertilizer companies.  The three companies I like are:
          Monsanto (MON)
          Potash (POT)
          Mosaic (MOS)

A more 'close to home' name that I like is Scott's Miracle-Grow (SMG).  SMG announced earnings this week, reporting a quarterly net income of $175.9 million, or $2.65/share, from $147.8 million, or $2.27/share in the year-ago period.  Analysts expected a profit of $2.44/share.  The company also announced plans to buy back $500 million shares over the next four years and doubled its quarterly dividend to $0.25/share. "Our business and cash-flow are strong, our balance sheet is healthy and our low debt-to-EBITDA level gives us tremendous flexibility in managing our business," said Cheif Executive Jim Hagedorn in a note. Looking ahead, SMG reiterated its full-year earnings forecast of $3.25 to $3.35 cents a share.

Company	Symbol	Stock Price	52 wk Range
Monsanto	MON	57.17	44.61-87.06
Potash	POT	111.9	83.75-128.42
Mosaic	MOS	51.29	37.68-68.28
Scott's Miracle-Grow	SMG	47.94	37.50-49.58