Monsanto Continues Return to Growth in Fiscal Year 2017 With Strong Second Quarter and First Half Results; Updates Outlook for Full Year EPS to High End of Guidance Range

ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--With half of its fiscal year 2017 complete, Monsanto Company (NYSE: MON) announced strong second quarter and first six months results. Earnings per share (EPS) reached $3.09 on an as-reported basis and $3.19 on an ongoing basis for the second quarter of fiscal year 2017. The company's performance was driven in part by strong gross profit growth from its corn and soybean businesses, the absence of the Argentine peso devaluation and benefit from the sale of its Latitude® wheat fungicide business. In reporting earnings results, executives reinforce confidence about the cumulative strength of the business, updating full-year guidance to the high end of the range for both as-reported and ongoing EPS. Monsanto also highlights progress in its merger with Bayer as both parties continue to work toward completion of the transaction by the end of calendar year 2017.