Thursday, April 7, 2011

Monsanto (MON) Drags (DD) (POT) (MOS) (CF) (AGI) Down

While Monsanto (NYSE:MON) was able to beat estimates in its latest quarter, the name of the game now is guidance, and Monsanto disappointed in that regard, dragging down other ag firms like rival DuPont (NYSE:DD), Potash (NYSE:POT), Mosaic (NYSE:MOS), CF Industries (NYSE:CF) and Agrium (NYSE:AGU).

It appears that a number of companies are going to go through a similar experience, as the last quarter is no doubt going to be a good one for a number of companies, for example, Alcoa (NYSE:AA), but uncertainty going forward because of the numerous catalysts weighing on the global economy, including unrest in the Middle East, parts shortages from the earthquake in Japan, slowing sales in China, and the sovereign debt crisis in Europe, which is worsening.

Inflation is also starting to take a toll on companies, as inputs continue to rise in many business sectors.

Agrium closed Wednesday at $93.21, down $1.73, or 1.82 percent. Monsanto ended the session at $69.16, plummeting $4.16, or 5.67 percent. DuPont was down slightly at $0.04, or 0.07 percent, rebounding from earlier pressure. CF Industries closed at $140.35, losing $3.23, or 2.25 percent. Potash was at $60.00, dropping $1.12, or 1.83 percent. Mosaic ended the day at $80.69, down $1.87, or 2.27 percent.

No comments: