Agrium Inc. today confirmed that it will continue to execute its integrated business strategy, which it says is delivering record results and creating sustainable shareholder value, and that it will not spin off its Retail operations. Agrium’s statement follows media reports that a hedge fund, JANA Partners, has suggested that Agrium should split the company into separate retail and wholesale businesses.
"We are confident that Agrium shareholders will receive far greater value with less risk under the company’s current strategy," said Michael Wilson, Agrium’s President and CEO. "Agrium’s Board has
carefully evaluated the idea of spinning off Retail and has unanimously determined that it is contrary to the best interests of the company and its shareholders. Spinning off Retail would expose
Agrium shareholders to substantial risk with no sustainable benefit, and we will not be pursuing it."
"Agrium is a top-performing company that has created significant shareholder value across the business cycle and that is returning excess capital to shareholders through dividend increases and share
buybacks. We are in close contact with our shareholders and take their views seriously. We are confident the vast majority understand and support our strategy," added Wilson.
Agrium noted that it has increased its dividend nine-fold since December 2011, and recently announced a C$900 million share repurchase program in connection with the sale of Viterra’s Medicine Hat nitrogen facility. The company achieved record sales, gross profit, EBITDA and net earnings in 2011 and again in the first half of 2012.
Agrium said it has been one of the best performing stocks in North America. The company’s share price has increased 43 percent year-to-date versus 12 percent for the S&P 500, and by 97 percent over the past three years. Agrium has also outperformed the S&P 500 and the company’s fertilizer peer group over the year-to-date and three year periods.
