Monsanto Posts Better-than-expected Fiscal Q4 Earnings, Sales

Monsanto Co. saw shares trend up on solid volume after the company reported fiscal-fourth quarter earnings and revenue above FactSet consensus. The seed and agricultural product distributor reported a net loss of $191 million during the quarter, or 44 cent loss per share, compared with a $495 million loss, or $1.06 during the same period a year ago. Monsanto reported adjusted earnings per share of 7 cents, while FactSet expected a 5 cents loss. Sales in the quarter hit $2.56 billion, compared with $2.36 billion last year. The FactSet sales consensus was for $2.36 billion. Monsanto is still in the process of merging with Bayer AG , which it expects to close by the end of 2017. Monsanto shares are up more 3% in the year to date, underperforming the S&P 500 Index , which is up 5%.