Forward looking investors should be planning for the long term and identifying businesses likely to outperform the market in the years ahead. Sectors with the wind at their back include agribusiness and by extension fertiliser businesses. Both can expect increased demand for their products over long-term horizons.
Fertilisers are the bedrock of global food and fibre production, with fertiliser manufacturer Incitec Pivot Limited (ASX: IPL) perfectly positioned to meet growing long-term demand. At $2.85 it's selling for 14.2 times projected earnings with a partially franked 3.4% dividend yield. Current prices are below Morningstar's fair value estimate of $3.30 and RBC Capital Markets fair value estimate of $2.90.
Select Harvests Limited (ASX: SHV) grows one of the world's most popular nuts, the almond, and has the long-term supply and demand curve positioned in its favour. Now might be a reasonable entry point after the stock was sold off in response to a lower than previously forecast almond crop for the year. It's trading on just 11 times projected earnings, with a strong growth outlook based on solid fundamentals.
An alternative with strong prospects and solid fundamentals is walnut and onion grower and seller Webster Limited (ASX: WBA). Selling for 90 cents, it's trading on 13.8 times projected earnings with a fully franked yield of 3%. With a strong balance sheet and nice demand curve it looks a decent prospect over short, medium and long-term horizons.
Tasmanian salmon farmer Tassal Group Limited (ASX: TGR) is another business with strong fundamentals as demand from the high margin Australian retail market strengthens. Tassal has invested to make its business more scalable, with the business working to increase supply growth from FY 2015 onwards. If successful the company's earnings, cashflows and dividends should steadily grow as retail outlets see growing demand for its salmon products.
Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE) has recently attracted the attention of foreign investor, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts, in a potential takeover attempt. The investor interest shows the attractive outlook for the wine-making business if it's able to execute on its turnaround strategy. The U.S market has been its Achilles' Heel recently, but as an industry leader with strong brands and emerging-market demand growth it may outperform the market yet.
