3SOF

Profile:  

Terra Industries Inc.
Terra Centre 600 Fourth Street
PO Box 6000
Sioux City, IA 51102-6000
United States - Map
Phone: 712-277-1340
Fax: 712-277-7383
Web Site: http://www.terraindustries.com

DETAILS  
Index Membership: N/A
Sector: Basic Materials
Industry: Agricultural Chemicals
Full Time Employees: 1,238


BUSINESS SUMMARY:

Terra Industries, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the production and marketing of nitrogen and methanol products for agricultural and industrial markets in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. It operates in two segments, Nitrogen and Methanol. The Nitrogen segment offers fertilizers, such as anhydrous ammonia, urea ammonium nitrate solutions, ammonium nitrate, and urea, as well as nitric acid, carbon dioxide, and dinitrogen tetroxide. The Methanol segment manufactures methanol, which is used as a raw material in the production of various chemical derivatives, as well as in the production of methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE), an oxygenate and octane enhancer for gasoline. Terra Industries sells its products to national agricultural retail chains, farm cooperatives, independent dealers, and industrial customers. The company was founded in 1964 and is headquartered in Sioux City, Iowa.


Business Overview:

BRIEF: For the three months ended 31 March 2007, Terra Industries Inc.'s revenues rose 26% to $502.3M. Net income applicable to Common totaled $5.9 vs. a loss of $25.3M. Revenues reflect increased income from nitrogen products, higher revenues from methanol and increased sales in U.S & U.K markets. Net income also reflects increased operating margins due to higher production rates, higher interest income and decreased interest expenses. http://www.terraindustries.com/

Support Level Maintained.......
This looks like a solid company. Numbers are good...good growth...
institutional interest...good sector to be in...has many fields to sell.
Great growth. Excellent price to sales.
Made a small correction which makes a better buying opportunity. 
Looks like we should be Buying on the dip,
Looks as if the MACD is going to stay above the center line, which
is a +.......needs to bounce off it from here.

Support @ $18.39...17.20...16.42
Resistance @ $19.50...20.17...22.23

52wk Range: 5.93 - 20.80
Volume: 1,576,925
Avg Vol (3m): 2,362,300

Technicals
Close Above the 13-day MA
Stochastic is Bullish

Last Price Quote is:
1.83%above 13-day MA
4.79%above 50-day MA
RS Rating: 94 

Fundamentals
Key Data:
Market Cap (M): $1,737.15 
P/E Ratio: 60.58 
PEG Ratio: N/A 
Next Earnings: 07/26/2007
Last Analyst Rating: Hold

Setravis, here is another very strong in the sector.

TNH - Terra Nitrogen Co.
What a great run. 

http://stockcharts.com/h-sc/ui?s=TNH&p=D&b=5&g=0&id=p59191861522

TNH vs.TRA
There is a great article on 'Seeking Alpha' regarding the dividend paid by TNH. Being that TRA owns slightly more than 75% of TNH there is in place a clause in the General Partners Agreement that when the dividend paid by TNH is over 60.5 cent that TRA gets more than its fair share.

If I tried to explain it I would be here all day. The article is by Tim Plaeln and the name of it is 'Terra Nitrogen vs. Terra Industries'. If you can't find it I will try to explain it better but the gist is sell TNH and buy TRA.

Crossing 13 and 50. Relatively cheap compared to other players in Ag sector.
I wonder if sell in May and go away will affect these stocks? By the end of May all the seed and fertilizer should be done with in the Northern Hemisphere. Then the pesticide companies should kick in.

52wk Range: 17.69 - 53.48
Volume: 3,680,216
Avg Vol (3m): 4,326,800
Market Cap: 4.22B
P/E (ttm): 16.87
EPS (ttm): 2.74
Div & Yield: 0.40 (0.90%)

Technicals
Percentage Gainer
Price Gainer

Last Price Quote is:
8.49%above 13-day MA
9.72%above 50-day MA
RS Rating: 69 

Fundamentals
Key Data:
Market Cap (M): $4,021.55 
P/E Ratio: 15.76 
PEG Ratio: N/A 
Next Earnings: 07/24/2008
Last Analyst Rating: Strong Buy

Below are the 6 month, 1 year, 2 year and 3 year charts...

Update, based on Friday's TRA action.......
The stock is still showing good strength.
It closed near the high of the day on outstanding buyers volume. 
To me...This means more upside.
It is still running strong. Watch the volume and where the price is in the days range. That's one the best buy sell signals there is.

Note: The short seller interest (percent of Short's in it) is 27.51%. That's high. If the stock suddenly takes a big drop they will start to close (buy to cover) out. That means it will get a nice inflow of money which keeps it from staying down if you get stuck. Depends on how cool headed the Short's are. If you sell something to soon that's fine. You can always buy it back. 

52wk Range: 17.69 - 53.48
Volume: 4,856,821
Avg Vol (3m): 4,267,560
Market Cap: 3.99B
P/E (ttm): 15.95
EPS (ttm): 2.74
Div & Yield: 0.40 (1.00%)

Technicals
Close Above the 50-day MA
Close Above the 13-day MA
Percentage Gainer

Last Price Quote is:
4.11%above 13-day MA
3.76%above 50-day MA
RS Rating: 24 

Fundamentals
Key Data:
Market Cap (M): $3,986.83 
P/E Ratio: 15.63 
PEG Ratio: N/A 
Next Earnings: 07/24/2008
Last Analyst Rating: Strong Buy

Below are the 6 month, 1 year, 2 year and 3 year charts.......

Bull market for fertilisers seen lasting for years...
Hedge Funds Stay Locked in to Bullish Fertilizer Sector


52wk Range: 17.69 - 53.48
Volume: 4,637,775
Avg Vol (3m): 4,291,160
Market Cap: 4.21B
P/E (ttm): 16.84
EPS (ttm): 2.74
Div & Yield: 0.40 (0.90%)

Technicals
MACD - Bullish

Last Price Quote is:
7.07%above 13-day MA
8.68%above 50-day MA
RS Rating: 61 

Fundamentals
Key Data:
Market Cap (M): $3,986.83 
P/E Ratio: 15.63 
PEG Ratio: N/A 
Next Earnings: 07/24/2008
Last Analyst Rating: Strong Buy

Indie Research
Hedge Funds Stay Locked in to Bullish Fertilizer Sector
Thursday May 29, 10:07 am ET
By the tickerspy.com Staff


The fertilizer industry was once considered dull, but after being one of the most exciting sectors in the market for over a year, those days appear to be long gone. A confluence of factors, including increasing wealth in emerging markets, raw material shortages, and biofuel demand, have pumped up fertilizer prices and made fertilizer producers top performers on the stock market.


Meanwhile, the ramifications have been more than just soaring stock prices. The Wall Street Journal reported that in April fertilizer costs were up 65% year over year, adding "Those skyrocketing costs are making it harder for farmers to expand their harvests in response to the global food crisis that has sparked rioting, rationing, and export controls in many countries."

As governments look for solutions and fertilizer producers attempt to ramp production, savvy investors have been rewarded. Several institutional investors are locked into the bullish market for fertilizer firms. Hedge fund Dawson Herman Capital Management, which "has traditionally invested in the growth sectors of the U.S. economy," according to its website, has substantial exposure to the sector. Its top-four, U.S-listed equity holdings are fertilizer producers. During Q1, the firm added shares in Potash (NYSE: POT - News), the biggest company in the sector, while trimming stakes in potash producer Mosaic (NYSE: MOS - News); Terra Industries (NYSE: TRA - News), a firm that produces nitrogen and methanol products for agricultural and industrial markets; and CF Industries (NYSE: CF - News), which operates in two segments, nitrogen fertilizers and phosphate fertilizers.

Dawson also held shares of companies in other sectors, with its largest equity holding outside the fertilizer industry being a 4.6 million-share stake in the world's biggest builder of electricity networks, ABB Ltd. (NYSE: ABB - News). A list of the other companies Dawson is investing in is available at tickerspy.com.

Another hedge fund, Peconic Partners, which "focuses on combining a top-down view of the markets with risk management and strong fundamental stock selection," according to its website, is also a big holder of fertilizer producers' shares. Its top-two holdings are Potash and Mosaic, but it also has large stakes in CF and Canadian producer Agrium (NYSE: AGU - News). Outside of the fertilizer sector, Peconic's largest stake is in coal producer Alpha Natural Resources (NYSE: ANR - News). A list of the other companies Peconic is investing in is available at tickerspy.com.

Potash proved to be the most popular fertilizer company among Pro investors in Q1. Among the 77 investment firms holding stakes in the company, the largest was a 19.2 million-share stake held by mutual fund giant Janus Capital Management. Meanwhile, Potash is also the favorite fertilizer stock among tickerspy members, though Terra Nitrogen (NYSE: TNH - News), an incredibly volatile master limited partnership (MLP) with a focus on nitrogen fertilizer products, is popular as well, as is recent IPO Intrepid Potash (NYSE: IPI - News).

Pro portfolio performance is based on institutions' top-15 holdings as disclosed in quarter-end filings with the SEC. Pro performance does not take into account additional holdings beyond the top 15 nor does it include positions that are not required to be disclosed by the SEC. As such, Pro portfolio performance should be considered an approximation and not a precise record of how an institution has performed over time.

Tap Into the Market Intelligence of Investment Pros & Individual Investors at tickerspy.com: Newly launched by Indie Research, tickerspy.com is a FREE financial website that lets you TRACK multiple stock portfolios, FIND and SHARE the latest news about the companies you follow, and SPY on the portfolios of nearly 2,000 Wall Street institutions and hedge funds and see graphs of their performance. Best of all, find out how YOU stack up against investing legends like Warren Buffett. Try tickerspy.com today!

Bull market for fertilisers seen lasting for years
Fri May 30, 2008 6:50am EDT


LONDON, May 30 (Reuters) - Fertiliser prices have risen by as much as threefold over the last year and look set to remain strong as the world's rising population fuels an ever-expanding appetite for food, industry sources say.

"All fertiliser companies are showing good profits at the moment -- some would argue extraordinary profits," said Ken Bowler, marketing manager at GrowHow UK Ltd, Britain's last remaining producer of nitrogen fertiliser.

"I would probably think the next five years is a good time to be in this business," he added, noting stock market prices for leading fertiliser companies reflected that confidence.

GrowHow is a joint venture between Norway's Yara International (YAR.OL: Quote, Profile, Research) and U.S.-based Terra Industries (TRA.N: Quote, Profile, Research). Shares in both companies have risen dramatically with Terra peaking in January at $53.48, after trading as low as $5.45 two years earlier. Terra shares were trading on Thursday at $41.58.

Bowler said new fertiliser plants were planned to meet growing demand, particularly in areas with rising populations and low energy costs such as China and South America.

No new plants are planned in Britain although GrowHow is investing 15 million pounds ($29.55 million) to boost output and improve environmental emissions from its plant in northeast England.

"It is forecast that around 2011/2012 ... supply will exceed demand at that point with the new investments. In the run-up you may start to see prices come off," he said.

Britain uses about 3.7 million tonnes of fertilisers a year, including around 2.0 million tonnes of nitrogen. The balance includes nitrogen compounds as well as phosphate, potash and sulphur products.

Nitrogen manufacture is energy intensive so profits have been eroded by high prices for natural gas, which accounts for about 70 to 80 percent of production costs.

"The big winners at the moment are those producing potash and phosphates," Bowler said, adding prices for producers in Canada, the United States, Russia and North Africa had risen three-fold during the last 12 months.



ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES

The industry faces environmental challenges, including pressure to reduce related emissions of nitrous oxide, a major greenhouse gas.

"Some plants have abatement technology already, others have investment programmes planted," said Jane Salter, head of environmental policy for the Agricultural Industries Confederation, a U.K. trade association.

"There will be investments over the next 20 years to deal with this aspect which will improve the carbon footprint of fertilisers considerably," she added.

Salter said the European fertiliser industry was taking part in consultations to set a target for reducing nitrous oxide emissions over a still undetermined time period.

"The release of nitrous oxide from agriculture and methane in livestock is inherent in the production of food. The best we can do is get the emissions per unit of production down," Salter said.

Methane produced by livestock as they digest food is also a potent greenhouse gas.

The industry's emissions are set to become more of a focus with the expansion of U.K. biofuels production.

Britain's government plans to link support for the biofuels sector to carbon savings, providing a significant incentive for producers to use crops grown with fertilisers which had been manufactured with lower emissions of greenhouse gases.

"The whole area of abatement, carbon trading and nitrous oxide emissions is very much going up the agenda. We are talking to government about that at the moment," Bowler said.

AP
Russell 1000 adds 10 materials, processing stocks
Monday June 30, 12:33 pm ET 
Russell 1000 adds 10 materials and processing stocks, 3 stocks in sector removed from index


NEW YORK (AP) -- Ten companies in the materials and processing sector are being to be added to the Russell 1000 in this year's reconstitution of the large-stock index, while three in the sector are being removed.


AECOM Technology Corp., AptarGroup Inc., CF Industries Holdings Inc., Century Aluminum Co., Greif Inc., Schnitzer Steel Industries Inc., Terra Industries Inc., Valhi Inc. and Valmont Industries Inc. were added to the Russell 1000, all moving up from the small-stock Russell 2000.

Intrepid Potash Inc. is a new addition to the Russell 1000, having debuted on the market in April.

Forestar Real Estate Group Inc., Louisiana Pacific Corp. and Westlake Chemical Corp. were removed from the large-cap index and moved to the Russell 2000.

Tacoma, Wash.-based Russell Investments realigns the Russell 3000 index once per year, tracking what it maintains is 99 percent of the U.S. equity market. That index is then broken down to 26 smaller indexes, including the widely watched Russell 1000 index of large capitalization stocks.

The makeup of the Russell indexes for the next 12 months was finalized after the closing bell Friday.

(This version corrects the number of stocks being added from this sector to 10, and adds AECOM Technology to the list.)

TRA well worth more.......
when oil keeps going up, so does chemicals, because all chemicals need raw oil.
TRA is a cheapest stock in the AG sector. P/S is only 1.87, the sector average is 3.11
Beat 15c on the latest quarter.
Picked up support @ the 200-day MA and took a bounce.

Support @ $44.83...39.86...38.12
Resistance @ $46.97...49.58...52.98

MACD is Bullish
Stochastic is Bullish

52wk Range: 17.69 - 56.25
Volume: 4,764,217
Avg Vol (3m): 4,780,630
Market Cap: 4.17B
P/E (ttm): 16.70
EPS (ttm): 2.74
Div & Yield: 0.40 (0.90%)

Technicals
Last Price Quote is:
-6.06%below 13-day MA
-1.43%below 50-day MA
RS Rating: 93 

Fundamentals
Key Data:
Market Cap (M): $4,174.15 
P/E Ratio: 16.36 
PEG Ratio: N/A 
Next Earnings: 07/24/2008
Last Analyst Rating: Strong Buy

SIOUX CITY, Iowa, Jul 24, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Terra Industries Inc. (TRA, Trade) announced today record net income available to common shareholders for the 2008 second quarter of $202.2 million ($1.94 per diluted share), up from $69.4 million ($.66 per diluted share) for the same period in 2007. For the 2008 first half, Terra reported net income available to common shareholders of $302.3 million ($2.91 per diluted share), up from $75.3 million ($.73 per diluted share) in the 2007 first half.

Terra also declared a dividend of $.10 per common share, payable Sept. 12, 2008, to holders of record as of Aug. 25, 2008.

Analysis of second quarter results

Revenues for the 2008 second quarter totaled $843.1 million compared to $692.5 million for the 2007 second quarter. The 2007 revenues included $121.2 million from Terra's UK operations that were later contributed to a joint venture. Excluding the 2007 UK results, revenues increased $271.8 million from the 2007 to the 2008 second quarter, primarily due to higher nitrogen products selling prices. Ammonia, UAN and ammonium nitrate (AN) selling prices increased 48, 48 and 25 percent, respectively, over those of the same period last year. The improved selling prices reflect continued strong nitrogen products demand resulting from low grain inventories and strong commodity grain prices. North American sales volumes for ammonia and AN increased by 13 and 8 percent, respectively, while sales volumes for UAN decreased 4 percent. Sales volumes were affected by delayed product movement due to cool, wet conditions and flooding throughout much of the Midwest. UAN sales volumes were also reduced by planted corn acres that were approximately 6 percent lower than those of 2007.

Second quarter equity earnings of affiliates of $37.6 million reflect Terra's interest in earnings from the GrowHow UK joint venture. Second quarter earnings from continuing operations were positively affected by an aggregate pretax amount of $14.2 million ($9.2 million or $0.07 per share, after tax) related to the sale of assets.

Results of discontinued operations included $12.0 million in revenues realized under the Beaumont facility's methanol production contract, which are payable when methanol margins achieve specified levels. In 2007, these revenues were recognized in the third quarter.

Analysis of first half results

Revenues for the 2008 first half totaled $ 1.4 billion compared to $1.2 billion for the 2007 first half. The 2007 revenues included $211.0 million from Terra's UK operations that were later contributed to a joint venture. Excluding the 2007 UK results, revenues increased $435.4 million from the 2007 to the 2008 first half, mostly due to higher nitrogen products selling prices. Ammonia, UAN and ammonium nitrate (AN) selling prices increased 45, 51 and 31 percent, respectively, over those of the same period last year. Selling prices for the first half improved for substantially the same reasons as they did for the second quarter. North American sales volumes for ammonia increased by 9 percent, while sales volumes for UAN decreased 3 percent and AN sales volumes remained stable. Sales volumes for the first half were generally affected by the same factors affecting those of the second quarter.

First half equity earnings of affiliates of $46.9 million reflect Terra's interest in earnings from the GrowHow UK joint venture.

Forward natural gas position

Terra's forward purchase contracts at June 30, 2008, fixed prices for about 31 percent of its next 12 months' natural gas needs at about $68 million below the published forward market prices at that date. These forward positions hedge production costs associated with product that Terra has sold and plans to ship primarily in the third and fourth quarters of 2008.

Cash balances, customer prepayments and share buybacks

Cash balances, including about $92 million in customer prepayments, totaled $752 million at June 30, 2008. Terra expects to ship products under the prepay agreements during the 2008 third and fourth quarters.

During the 2008 second quarter, Terra repurchased 189,150 of its common shares under its share buyback program at an average price of $39.65 per share and a total cost of $7.5 million. The program authorizes Terra to repurchase approximately 12.8 million shares (14 percent of its current outstanding shares) and extends through June 30, 2010. At June 30, 2008, approximately 12.7 million shares remained available for repurchase under the program.

CEO's remarks

Said Terra President and CEO Mike Bennett, "Terra realized record earnings for the second quarter, reflecting not only a very positive nitrogen industry environment, but also excellent performance in all areas of the company, including our joint ventures in Trinidad and the UK. While our costs increased due to higher natural gas prices, continued strong product demand allowed nitrogen selling prices to keep pace.

"Looking ahead," Bennett continued, "we expect this strong demand to continue for the remainder of 2008 as customers fill their storage capacity in anticipation of a robust spring 2009 planting and application season. The tight global supply/demand balance for nitrogen products has continued to put upward pressure on selling prices.

"We also look forward to restarting our Donaldsonville, Louisiana ammonia plant in the 2008 third quarter. Once completed, this startup will allow us to replace approximately 400,000 tons per year of imported ammonia with our own manufactured product, thereby realizing higher margins."

Conference call details

Terra management will conduct a conference call to discuss these second quarter results this afternoon at 3:00 ET. A live webcast of the conference call will be available from Terra's Web site at www.terraindustries.com, and will be archived for playback for three months.

About Terra

Terra Industries Inc., with 2007 revenues of $2.4 billion, is a leading international producer of nitrogen products.

Forward-looking statement

Certain statements in this new release may constitute "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of the Private Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in these forward-looking statements. As a result, these statements speak only as of the date they were made and Terra undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Words such as "expects," "intends," "plans," "projects," "believes," "estimates," and similar expressions are used to identify these forward-looking statements. These include, among others, statements relating to:

-- financial markets,

-- general economic conditions within the agricultural industry,

-- competitive factors and price changes (principally, sales prices of nitrogen and methanol products and natural gas costs),

-- product mix,

-- the seasonality of demand patterns,

-- weather conditions,

-- environmental and other government regulation, and

-- agricultural regulations.

Additional information as to these factors can be found in Terra's 2007 Annual Report/10-K, in the sections entitled "Business," "Legal Proceedings," and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and in the Notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Note: Terra Industries' news announcements are also available on its Web site, www.terraindustries.com.

SOURCE: Terra Industries Inc.


Terra Industries Inc. 
Joe A. Ewing, 712-277-7305 
[email protected] 

Copyright Business Wire 2008

 

Moving on up...


52wk Range: 17.69 - 56.25
Volume: 6,187,721
Avg Vol (3m): 4,611,040
Market Cap: 5.12B
P/E (ttm): 13.66
EPS (ttm): 4.08
Div & Yield: 0.40 (0.80%)


Technicals
Last Price Quote is:
13.89%above 13-day MA
18.04%above 50-day MA
RS Rating: 94 

Fundamentals
Key Data:
Market Cap (M): $4,659.75 
P/E Ratio: 12.71 
PEG Ratio: N/A 
Next Earnings: 10/23/2008
Last Analyst Rating: Strong Buy

SIOUX CITY, Iowa, Feb 03, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Terra Industries Inc. (TRA, Trade) has scheduled the webcast of its fourth quarter 2008 results conference call at 3:00 p.m. ET on Feb. 10, 2009. During the call, Terra President and CEO Michael Bennett and Chief Financial Officer Dan Greenwell will discuss Terra Industries Inc.'s fourth quarter and full-year results and outlook.

Persons wishing to listen to the webcast may access it at http://www.terraindustries.com/Investors/Terra-Industries-(TRA).aspx. A recording of the webcast will be archived on Terra's Web site for three months.

About Terra

Terra Industries Inc., with 2007 revenues of $2.4 billion, is a leading North American producer of nitrogen products.

Forward-looking statement

Certain statements in this new release may constitute "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of the Private Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in these forward-looking statements. As a result, these statements speak only as of the date they were made and Terra undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Words such as "expects," "intends," "plans," "projects," "believes," "estimates," and similar expressions are used to identify these forward-looking statements. These include, among others, statements relating to:

-- financial markets,

-- general economic conditions within the agricultural industry,

-- competitive factors and price changes (principally, sales prices of nitrogen and methanol products and natural gas costs),

-- product mix,

-- the seasonality of demand patterns,

-- weather conditions,

-- environmental and other government regulation, and

-- agricultural regulations.

Additional information as to these factors can be found in Terra's 2007 Annual Report/10-K, in the section entitled "Business," "Legal Proceedings," and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and in the Notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Note: Terra Industries' news announcements are also available on its Web site, www.terraindustries.com.

SOURCE: Terra Industries Inc.


 
Terra Industries Inc.   
Joe Ewing, 712-277-7305   
[email protected] 

Copyright Business Wire 2009


Below...3 year and 6 month charts...
necessary industry and the timing is getting better for it.
The chart reflects 'overbought' but this is a buyout target and spurned CF's offer.

52wk Range: 11.21 - 57.64
Volume: 2,971,055
Avg Vol (3m): 4,062,430
Market Cap: 2.27B
P/E (ttm): 4.26
EPS (ttm): 5.204
Div & Yield: 0.40 (2.00%)

Technicals
Percentage Gainer

Last Price Quote is:
13.80%above 13-day MA
20.22%above 50-day MA
RS Rating: 75 

Fundamentals
Earnings Expected on Feb 10

Key Data:
Market Cap (M): $2,091.65 
P/E Ratio: 3.98 
PEG Ratio: 0.763441 
Next Earnings: 02/10/2009
Last Analyst Rating: Buy

Despite the turmoil in commodity markets, we remain confident that long-term agricultural fundamentals are excellent, "This is a self-correcting cycle because demand for crop nutrients can only be deferred for so long. Large crops are still required to secure the world's food supply and crop nutrients will play an essential role in achieving that objective."

Terra Industries Earnings Call scheduled for Tue, Apr 21
http://biz.yahoo.com/cc/9/102739.html


The nitrogen products manufacturer, posted record earnings in 2008 as nitrogen prices soared.
The company has surprised on estimates 4 quarters in a row by an average of 53.27%. First-quarter estimates are rising as spring planting season begins. TRA has a PEG ratio of 0.97.


Record 2008 Results

Business continues on, as usual, for Terra despite the CF acquisition offer. On Feb 10, the company reported record 2008 results as revenue jumped 26% to $2.9 billion from $2.3 billion in 2007.

The increase was fueled primarily by higher selling prices as prices of Ammonia, UAN and AN rose 64%, 48% and 38%, respectively, compared to the year ago period. Sales volume declined for ammonia and UAN, by 5% and 4%, while AN sales increased by 2% compared to 2007.

Net income was a company record as it more than doubled in 2008 to $6.20 per share up from $1.90 per share in 2007.

Fourth quarter earnings beat estimates by 53.27% as the company reported an adjusted $1.64 per share. Analysts had expected only $1.07.

Revenue for the fourth quarter jumped 20% to $683.5 million from $569 million in the fourth quarter of 2007 mainly due to higher nitrogen product selling prices.

Sales volumes declined sharply, however, due to the global slowdown. Terra recorded $49.8 million in charges related to derivative and inventory valuation. It also idled its Donaldsonville, LA and Woodward, OK manufacturing plants due to slow December demand.


Cash Rich

As of Dec 31, 2008, Terra Industries had cash balances, including approximately $37 million in derivative margin deposits, of $1.003 billion.

Outlook for 2009

The company expects spring nitrogen demand to be strong as those growers who deferred applications in the fall must buy in the spring.

Terra also forecasts nitrogen selling prices to improve as demand increases. The company also sees industrial ammonia demand staying weak.

Consensus Estimates Rise for 2009

Analysts have been all over the place on Terra's earnings estimates. Estimates have fallen sharply from 90 days ago before the global recession deepened. But in the last 30 days, estimates have turned higher.

First quarter consensus estimates are up 2 cents to 37 cents in the last 30 days. Full-year 2009 consensus estimates rose 5 cents to $3.19 in the last month.

Value Fundamentals

Terra Industries is a Zacks #1 Rank (strong buy) stock. It has a forward P/E of 7.7. Its price-to-book is 2.76. The company also has an outstanding 5-year return on equity (ROE) of 23.12%.

Additionally, Terra rewards shareholders with a dividend that is currently yielding 1.50%.


I like the looks of this stock. It took it's plunge along with all the other stocks but has been pulling steadily up for the last month. It's not making huge increases but is consistently going up with time. The stocks that go up strong one day have a tendency to fall strong one day also.
It's moving along the moving average. That's usually a good sign that things will go OK with the price for a while.
I'll keep this one for a long term investment.


52wk Range: 11.21 - 57.64
Volume: 1,869,902
Avg Vol (3m): 3,876,870
Market Cap: 2.73B
P/E (ttm): 4.42
EPS (ttm): 6.20
Div & Yield: 0.40 (1.50%)

Technicals
Stochastic - Bullish

Last Price Quote is:
-0.32%below 13-day MA
7.99%above 50-day MA
RS Rating: 93 

Fundamentals
Earnings Expected on Apr 21

Key Data:
Market Cap (M): $2,731.80 
P/E Ratio: 4.48 
PEG Ratio: 0.526667 
Next Earnings: 04/21/2009
Last Analyst Rating: Perform

updated chart scene...


52wk Range: 23.60 - 46.70
Volume: 36,782,159
Avg Vol (3m): 5,462,380
Market Cap: 4.56B
P/E (ttm): 29.93
EPS (ttm): 1.526
Div & Yield: 0.40 (1.00%)


Technicals
Record Price High
Most Actives
Record Price Break Out
Gap Up
Percentage Gainer
Price Gainer

Last Price Quote is:
15.91%above 13-day MA
25.91%above 50-day MA
RS Rating: 77 

Fundamentals
Earnings Expected on Apr 20

Key Data:
Market Cap (M): $4,121.34 
P/E Ratio: 27.16 
PEG Ratio: 2.8 
Next Earnings: 04/20/2010
Last Analyst Rating: Neutral

The 2 year chart below...