Bunge Limited: Capitalizing on agriculture

Dealing with agriculture on an international basis requires that a firm understand global trends in demographics, economics and cultural development. One of the highly respected corporate practitioners of the art was founded in Amsterdam nearly 200 years ago, but now works from White Plains, New York.

Bunge Limited (NYSE:BG) is an integrated agribusiness, fertilizer and food products concern. The company is a leading global processor of soybeans and other grains, a leading provider of products and services to the South American farming community and a major U.S. food processor. Some of Bunge's agribusiness products are used for industrial purposes, including renewable fuels like biodiesel.

The firm pleased investors last month, when it reported Q4 EPS of $1.52 and revenues of $7.68 billion. Analysts had expected $1.44 and $7.22 billion. Management also guided FY07 EPS to $4.33-$4.48, versus consensus of $4.33. The CFO cited expectations for improved South American business, the activation of new oilseed processing assets and high global commodity prices in support of the positive outlook. The news kept BG shares cycling through a positive four month trading channel. The price is currently consolidating near the base of that channel, where oversold Stochastic, CCI and MACD technical parameters suggest the potential for a rise back toward the top.

Brokers recommend the shares with three "buys" and five "holds." Analysts see a 17% growth rate, through the next year. The BG P/E ratio (18.72), Price to Sales ratio (0.36), Price to Book ratio (1.68), Price to Cash Flow ratio (10.81), Sales Growth rate (13.77%) and EPS Growth rate (87.65%) compare favorably with industry, sector and S&P 500 averages.

Institutions hold about 70% of the outstanding shares. Over the past 52 weeks, the stock has traded between $47.25 and $85.68. A stop-loss of $69.50 looks good here.

Larry Schutts is a contributing editor for Theflyonthewall.com and the Vice-President of Stockwinners.com.