With nothing going on this week on the earnings front, we look forward to next week when a few companies wrap up the current quarter before Alcoa Inc. (NYSE: AA) kicks off the new season on Jan. 10. The agriculture sector will be in play with Monsanto Company (NYSE: MON) and The Mosaic Company (NYSE: MOS), so let’s take a look at one of them.

Phosphate and potash producer Mosaic reports on Tuesday, Jan. 4, after the close. Analysts expect per-share profit to nearly triple from a year ago, which is comparable to what the company has achieved for the past three quarters.

However, the company does not do well with estimates, having missed four of the past five. But the market hasn’t seemed to mind. In fact, the share price has gone up in the day following four of the past five reports. Last quarter, for example, the stock shot up 16% in just a week. The quarter before that, it was 14% in two weeks.

On the chart, the stock has rallied off its December low to retake both the key $70 level and the 50-day moving average. Next up is the two-year high in November, which is just above the $74 level. 

Sentiment toward MOS is definitely on the skeptical side, especially among options players and analysts. The put/call ratio is nearing an annual high, while just half of the covering analysts rate MOS a “buy.” 

With robust commodity prices keeping the “ag trade” viable, a strengthening chart and plenty of pessimism ready to unwind into buying, MOS should help you to start your new trading year on the right foot. 

Look at the MOS Jan 70 Calls, which are currently trading for around $3.50, to ride MOS into its earnings.