Monsanto’s a buy ahead of takeover

Article Excerpt

MONSANTO CO. $117 (New York symbol MON, Aggressive Growth Portfolio; Manufacturing & Industry sector; Shares outstanding: 438.8 million; Market cap: $51.3 billion; Price-to-sales ratio: 3.6; Dividend yield: 1.8%; TSINetwork Rating: Above Average; www.monsanto.com) develops and sells technology-based agricultural products, such as genetically modified seeds, to farmers, grain processors and food companies. It also provides weed and pest-control products. In September 2016, the company accepted a $128.00-a-share takeover offer from Bayer AG, the giant German chemical and pharmaceutical maker. The all-cash deal is worth $66 billion and includes Monsanto’s debt. The two companies aim to close the sale by the end of 2017. Monsanto’s stock continues to trade below Bayer’s offer. That’s due to concerns that regulators in the U.S. and Europe may block the deal. If Bayer can’t complete the purchase, it will pay Monsanto a $2.0 billion breakup fee. In that case, Monsanto could use that payment to buy back shares or increase its dividend; the current annual rate of $2.16 a..