Nutrien's Shares Rise 11% in a Month: What's Driving the Stock?

Nutrien Ltd.’s NTR shares have popped 11.2% over the past month. The company has also outperformed the industry’s 0.7% fall and the S&P 500’s 1% increase over the same period. 

Price Performance of NTR vs. Industry & S&P 500

Let’s take a look at the factors that are driving this fertilizer maker. 

Nutrien Poised for Growth on Strong Fertilizer Demand

Nutrien is well-positioned to benefit from rising global fertilizer demand, supported by strong agricultural markets and tight inventories that are expected to keep crop prices firm in 2025. Strong demand and supply tightness have pushed fertilizer prices higher this year. Potash demand is set to grow on favorable farmer economics, improved affordability and low inventory levels globally, while the phosphate market remains supported by reduced Chinese exports and lean producer inventories. Nitrogen demand also stays healthy, driven by strong consumption in North America, India and Brazil, along with a rebound in industrial nitrogen use. 

The company expects record U.S. crop production and continued strength in crop-input demand. Nutrien logged record potash sales in the first nine months of 2025, benefiting from robust consumption across North America and major offshore markets. Third-quarter volumes were similarly strong, leading the company to raise its 2025 potash sales guidance to 14–14.5 million tons. 

Nutrien is also gaining from acquisitions and the growing adoption of its digital platform. It continues expanding in Brazil and plans to use free cash flow to pursue targeted growth investments and tuck-in acquisitions across its retail business in 2025. 

Nutrien Advances Cost Cuts and Efficiency Gains

Nutrien’s cost and operational efficiency efforts are set to further support performance. The company is focused on lowering potash production costs and has implemented several strategic actions to reduce controllable expenses and improve free cash flow. With accelerated efficiency and savings initiatives, Nutrien expects to achieve about $200 million in total cost reductions in 2025 and is currently ahead of schedule on this target. 

Nutrien Ltd. Price and Consensus

NTR’s Zacks Rank & Key Picks

NTR currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). 

Better-ranked stocks in the basic materials space include Agnico Eagle Mines Limited AEM, Allied Gold Corporation AAUC and Croda International Plc. COIHY. 

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Agnico Eagle’s current-year earnings is pegged at $7.77 per share. AEM, carrying a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the trailing four quarters, with the average earnings surprise being 12%. The company's shares have rallied 74.4% in the past year. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AAUC’s current-year earnings is pegged at $1.33 per share. AAUC carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). The company's shares have soared 45.3% in the past year. 

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Croda’s current-year earnings is pegged at 95 cents per share. COIHY carries a Zacks Rank #2. The company's shares have fallen 17% in the past year. 

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This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).

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