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Every time I write about Monsanto Company (NYSE: MON), I get e-mails from vocal opponents of genetically modified foods. It strikes me as unusual, if only because there are so many companies out there doing business in an ethically questionable manner, and I'm rarely e-mailed about most of them. But, hey -- I can't blame anybody for being protective of the food supply.
If you're morally opposed to Monsanto, I definitely don't recommend you invest in it. Otherwise, there are valid reasons for taking a closer look at this agricultural chemicals firm. For example, on October 21, S&P Ratings hiked its long-term ratings on MON from "A" to "A+," citing the "expected continuation for favorable business trends ... a very strong market position ... and an impressive pipeline of new products that should underpin strong future earnings and cash flow."
Add sugar cane to the pipeline; Monsanto recently announced its intention to acquire Brazil's Aly Participacoes Ltda for $290 million. With sugar cane emerging as a popular alternative to corn for ethanol production, the acquisition makes sense. Carl Casale, the company's head of global strategy and operations, observed, "... we think that the biotechnology traits that we've invested in [corn] can bring a lot of value to sugar, as well."
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