SMF NOTES Co issues downside guidance for FY09, sees EPS of $4.40-$4.50 vs $4.69 First Call consensus. This includes expectations for EPS growth in Q2 and Q3 to both be in the 10-12% range.
Co states, "The determined focus of Monsanto to successfully execute its industry-leading seeds and traits strategy is the key to helping the company achieve 20 percent-plus earnings growth and generate more than $1.8 bln in free cash for fiscal 2009.
It also will more than offset any anticipated decline in the company's Roundup herbicide business over the next three years and move the company closer to reaching its goal of more than doubling its fiscal 2007 gross profit by 2012...
The anticipated ongoing success of the company's seeds and traits businesses will more than offset the expected decline in its Roundup herbicide business to the $1.9 billion gross profit level by 2012... 2009 will likely be the peak of Roundup profitability, which is expected to be in the $2.4-$2.5 bln gross profit range as he expects current pricing based on added value to more than offset volume declines...'
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