Topic: Growth Stocks

Wall Street Stock Forecaster Hotline – Friday, March 4, 2016

Article Excerpt

MONSANTO CO., $85.89, New York symbol MON, develops and sells technology-based agricultural products, such as genetically modified seeds, to farmers, grain processors and food companies. It also sells weed- and pest-control products. The stock fell 5% this week after the company cut its earnings forecast for the current fiscal year. That’s mainly because the high U.S. dollar is hurting the contribution of its overseas sales. As well, lower crop prices give farmers less cash to spend on seeds and pesticides. For its 2016 fiscal year, which ends August 31, 2016, Monsanto expects to earn $4.40 to $5.10 a share, excluding unusual items. That’s down from its earlier forecast $5.10 to $5.60. The stock now trades at 18.1 times the midpoint of Monsanto’s new range. That’s a reasonable p/e in light of the worldwide need for more and better food. Moreover, Monsanto spends over 10% of its revenue on research, so it’s more profitable than it seems. OUR RECOMMENDATION: Monsanto is still a buy. Monsanto recent…