Synthomer Np Discussion Threads

[grupo guitarlumber] 10/8/2006 15:46

Citigroup Lifts Syngenta Target To CHF210

Thursday, August 10, 2006 9:27:50 AM ET
Dow Jones Newswires



1203 GMT [Dow Jones] Citigroup increases Syngenta (SYT) price target to CHF210 from CHF195.90 to better take into account the company's developing biotechnology franchise. Expects the company to successfully defend its intellectual property position against Monsanto (MON), and to be on track with the commercialization schedule of its biotech products. Even though its bioscience activities are currently loss making, they could generate $300M in EBIT by 2010. Keeps at buy. Trades -1.6% at CHF169.90 in a negative market. (SWZ)

[grupo guitarlumber] 09/8/2006 06:52

  07 Aug 2006 Fuel from food: Syngenta's bio plans
 
Monday, August 07, 2006
By Fritz Raschdorf
Translated by Thandi Warren

Simply amazing: basic food is to be utilized in future for manufacturing fuel for motor vehicles.


   
  The company, Syngenta, is researching ways of how to process maize into ethanol, a substitute for petrol. They are hoping for a rosy future as they aspire to capture twenty five percent of the present petrol market. Other companies have the same intentions with canola, corn and potatoes.

Simultaneously, while allowing the ever increasing consumption of valuable crude oil, we are moving further away than ever from the conservation thereof.

Are we indeed prepared to sacrifice our basic food for the manufacture of petrol? It is time to consider our actions. The manufacture of petrol from basic food is to be condemned, and not only due to ethical grounds.

Copyright BaZ
   
  Links:
 
Source: Basler Zeitung

[grupo guitarlumber] 01/8/2006 06:14

Sal Oppenheim Lifts Syngenta Fair Value

Monday, July 31, 2006 7:41:19 AM ET
Dow Jones Newswires



1022 GMT [Dow Jones] Sal. Oppenheim increases Syngenta (SYT) fair value to $175 from $160 and adds the company is trading at an unjustified 40% discount to Monsanto (MON). Due to its promising pipeline of crop protection products, company could generate $2B sales by 2011, 2012 with products that are less than 10 years old and still under patent protection. In addition, sales in Eastern Europe could grow to $1B within the next five years, with an underlying market growth of around 15% annually. Keeps buy rating. Shares +1.8% at CHF178.70, closed at $141 in NY. (SWZ)

[grupo guitarlumber] 31/7/2006 11:58

Goldman Sachs Ups Syngenta Target To CHF184

Monday, July 31, 2006 6:41:17 AM ET
Dow Jones Newswires



0925 GMT [Dow Jones] Goldman Sachs ups Syngenta's (SYT) target price to CHF184 from CHF174, lifts '06 EPS estimate to $8.96 from $8.44 and ups '07 EPS forecast to $10.03 from $9.38 after being "more optimistic regarding Syngenta's prospects for 2007 in the traditional crop protection market." Expects global corn inventories to be at very low levels at the end of '06, encouraging increased planting. Is also more optimistic the company will be able to raise the seed's unit profitability to a 15% EBITDA margin by 2010. Keeps at buy. Shares trade +1.6% at CHF178.40. (SWZ)

[grupo guitarlumber] 26/7/2006 10:36

Syngenta First-Half Profit Rises After Jobs Are Cut (Update2)
July 26 (Bloomberg) -- Syngenta AG, the world's biggest maker of agricultural chemicals, said first-half profit rose 5.4 percent after the company reduced expenses by eliminating jobs.

Net income increased to $961 million, or $9.51 a share, from $912 million, or $8.92 a share, a year earlier, the Basel, Switzerland-based company said in an e-mailed statement today. Twelve analysts surveyed by Bloomberg News expected net income to be $976 million. Syngenta doesn't report quarterly earnings.

The company had savings of $106 million in the first half, Syngenta's Chief Financial Officer Domenico Scala said in an interview. In February, Syngenta increased its cost-cutting plan by $125 million to reach savings of $425 million by 2008.

``The increasing promise of our biotechnology traits in U.S. corn seeds and the further expansion of professional products, coupled with continued cost discipline, reinforce our confidence in targeting double-digit growth in earnings per share through 2008,'' Chief Executive Michael Pragnell said in the statement.

Syngenta shares rose 5 francs, or 3.1 percent, to 168 francs at 9:07 a.m. in Zurich. They have gained 5 percent so far this year.

Sales dropped 3 percent to $5.2 billion. Revenue from crop protection products such as pesticides and herbicides fell 2 percent to 3.92 billion due to lower fungicide sales for soybean rust and corn acreages that were reduced by 3 percent in the U.S, Scala said. The company still gained market share in crop protection, he said.

Asian Rust

Scala said he didn't expect any ``significant'' sales effect stemming from Asian rust, as the disease won't spread in the U.S. as it did in Latin America.

Sales of seeds fell 6 percent to $1.32 billion as the company wasn't able to deliver corn seeds in time in the U.S. in the first quarter.

Higher oil prices increased costs by $82 million in the first half, Scala said. For the full year, he expects $120 million in additional costs due to the increased oil price.

Looking ahead, Scala said that agriculture markets would remain difficult this year although Latin America, Syngenta's main market in the second half, looked ``better'' than some months ago.

Syngenta has no ``imminent'' acquisition target although it will continue to seek purchases to add to its vegetable and flower seeds units, Scala said.

On July 10, Syngenta agreed to buy Conrad Fafard Inc. for $133.5 million to grow in the North American garden market.



To contact the reporter on this story:
Antonio Ligi in Zurich at [e-mail]
Last Updated: July 26, 2006 03:09 EDT

[grupo guitarlumber] 26/7/2006 07:44

Interim Results

RNS Number:7368G
Syngenta AG
26 July 2006


Financial release


Half Year Results 2006
Basel, Switzerland, 26 July 2006

'Performance resilient, significant strategic progress'

* Sales 1 percent lower CER(1)at $5.2 billion

* Crop Protection sales unchanged(1) at $3.9 billion

* New product sales up 22 percent(1) to $646 million; AXIAL(R) and
AVICTA(R) launches

* Development pipeline accelerating: Crop Protection, Seeds biotech
traits

* Earnings per share(2) up 9 percent to $10.44

* $889 million cash returned to shareholders

Financial Highlights (unaudited)
Excluding Restructuring & Impairment As reported under IFRS
1st Half 1st Half Actual CER(1) 1st Half 1st Half
2006 2005 % % 2006 2005
$m $m $m $m
Sales 5201 5386 - 3 - 1 5201 5386
Net Income(3) 1056 976 +8 961 912
Earnings per Share $10.44 $9.54 +9 $9.51 $8.92

Michael Pragnell, Chief Executive Officer, said:

"In the first half of 2006 Syngenta performed well. Crop Protection
outperformed in challenging northern hemisphere markets where fungicide demand
was lower. New products maintained their outstanding record of growth,
augmented by the successful launches of AXIAL(R) and AVICTA(R). Professional
Products growth accelerated with strong performances in all three businesses.
In Seeds, growth was achieved in all businesses with the exception of NAFTA corn
due to production-related issues in the first quarter. We also made significant
strategic progress: two acquisitions in Lawn & Garden and Vegetables Seeds
respectively, a product technology exchange in Crop Protection and a marketing
and technology agreement with Pioneer in US corn and soybean seeds. Continued
cost discipline enabled us to offset the impact of higher oil-related costs
while targeting expenditure to drive future growth, maintaining key performance
ratios and increasing earnings."



(1) Growth at constant exchange rates, see Appendix A.

(2) EPS on a fully-diluted basis, excluding restructuring and impairment.

(3) Net income attributable to shareholders of Syngenta AG.

Highlights for 2006

Sales at constant exchange rates (CER) were one percent lower. Crop Protection
sales* were unchanged; Seeds sales were four percent lower.

EBITDA was unchanged (CER) at $1.54 billion as operational efficiency savings
offset the impact of higher oil-related costs ($82 million) and funded increased
marketing and development expenditure in fast-growing areas of the business.

Earnings per share, excluding restructuring and impairment, were up nine percent
to $10.44, benefiting from higher operating income and a reduction in net
financial expense helped by currency exchange gains. After charges for
restructuring and impairment, earnings per share were $9.51 (2005: $8.92).

Currency: Sales were negatively impacted by two percent due to the relative
strength of the US dollar, notably against the Euro. The net impact on EBITDA
was one percent.

Crop Protection: Sales in NAFTA were slightly lower mainly as a consequence of
lower fungicide sales for soybean rust and reduced corn acres. Double-digit
growth was again achieved in Eastern Europe which partially offset a decline in
western Europe due to reduced fungicide consumption in cereals and the ongoing
impact of subsidy reform. Broad-based sales growth in Asia Pacific was mainly
driven by a strong performance in south east Asia. In Latin America, sales
increased as a result of effectively combining risk management with successful
marketing programs. Sales of new products, notably the CALLISTO(R) family and
ACTARA(R) again delivered strong growth. AXIAL(R) was launched successfully in
Europe and North America; its strong market reception resulted in an increased
peak sales target of over $200 million. EBITDA was unchanged (CER) at $1.32
billion.

Professional Products: Sales increased 18 percent as all three businesses: Seed
Care, Lawn & Garden and Home Care made important contributions. The main driver
was Seed Care where the insecticide CRUISER(R), once again, delivered strong US
growth; in addition, AVICTA(R) was launched successfully on cotton in the USA.
Performance was also strong in Lawn & Garden, notably Ornamentals; this business
was augmented in July by the acquisition of Conrad Fafard, Inc., a leading North
American growing media company.

Seeds: Sales increased in all regions with the exception of NAFTA where
production-related issues in US corn in the first quarter resulted in lower
sales. An important strategic alliance was agreed with Pioneer to create the
joint venture, GreenLeaf Genetics, broadening the germplasm and traits offer to
independent seeds companies in the USA. In Vegetables, demand for fresh produce
continued to grow and the acquisition of Emergent Genetics Vegetable A/S was
completed, further expanding the product offer. Sales in Flowers rose slightly.
Diverse Field Crops maintained growth momentum driven primarily by demand for
oil crops in Eastern Europe. EBITDA was four percent lower (CER) at $275
million.

R & D Pipeline: In Crop Protection, good progress was made in the development
pipeline including the in-licensing of the novel insecticide Rynaxypyr(TM) from
DuPont. With peak sales potential of more than $200 million, this product is
targeted for launch in 2008. In addition, two fungicides 520 and 524, passed
important milestones and were advanced into late development. In Seeds, the
development of a complete range of stacked input traits in corn is on track for
2008. In addition, from 2008 the company aims to launch a number of second
generation traits including: corn amylase for enhanced bioethanol production;
Optimum(TM) GAT(TM) herbicide-resistant trait in soybean, licensed from Pioneer;
lepidoptera insect control in corn; and drought tolerant corn.

* Crop Protection sales include $36 million of inter-segment sales.

Operational efficiency: Total restructuring and impairment charges during the
period were $130 million (cash: $70 million; non-cash: $60 million) largely
relating to the program to streamline global operations, announced in February
2004. Savings in the first half were $106 million and peak savings of $425
million are expected by the end of 2008. Restructuring costs are expected to be
around $850 million between 2004 and 2008 including non-cash charges of $350
million.

Cash flow and balance sheet: The ratio of average trade working capital as a
percentage of sales was higher at 42 percent (2005: 39 percent) due to an
increase in inventories. Fixed capital expenditure of $81 million was below
depreciation of $109 million.

Taxation: The underlying tax rate for the period was 22 percent (2005: 24
percent). The tax rate is expected to remain in the low twenties over the
medium term.

Cash return to shareholders: The company continued its share repurchase program
in the first half of 2006, repurchasing 3.3 million shares through the put
option structure announced in February; a total dividend of $260 million was
paid on 11 July in the form of a nominal value reduction. The total returned to
shareholders to date in 2006 is $889 million; since May 2004 total cash returned
is $1.6 billion. The 2.3 million shares repurchased in 2005 were cancelled on 6
July.

Outlook


Michael Pragnell, Chief Executive Officer, said:

"Looking ahead, we see numerous opportunities to capture growth across all our
businesses. Continuing market share gains and the exciting potential of the
pipeline in Crop Protection, the increasing promise of our biotechnology traits
in US corn seeds and the further expansion of Professional Products, coupled
with continued cost discipline, reinforce our confidence in targeting double
digit growth in earnings per share* through 2008."

* Fully diluted, before restructuring, impairment and share repurchase
program..

Crop Protection

For a definition of constant exchange rates, see Appendix A. 2005 product line
and regional sales have been restated to include inter-segment sales.

Half Year Growth 2nd Quarter Growth
Product line 2006 2005 Actual CER 2006 2005 Actual CER
$m $m % % $m $m % %
Selective herbicides 1313 1351 - 3 - 1 703 736 - 5 - 5
Non-selective herbicides 422 391 +8 +8 255 228 +12 +11
Fungicides 1065 1201 -11 - 8 526 605 -13 -12
Insecticides 602 601 - +3 307 296 +4 +5
Professional products 490 419 +17 +18 246 191 +29 +29
Others 24 24 -2 +2 7 0 - -
Total 3916 3987 -2 - 2044 2056 - -

Selective Herbicides: major brands AXIAL(R), CALLISTO(R) family, DUAL(R)/BICEP
(R) MAGNUM, ENVOKE(R), FUSILADE(R)MAX, TOPIK(R)

Sales of the CALLISTO(R) family continued to grow in NAFTA offsetting the impact
of lower corn acres in the USA and also showed good growth across Europe. AXIAL
(R) was launched successfully in the USA, Canada, UK, Germany and Australia.
Growth in Latin America largely offset slightly lower sales in NAFTA, in
comparison with a strong first half in 2005.

Non-selective Herbicides: major brands GRAMOXONE(R), TOUCHDOWN(R)

TOUCHDOWN(R) registered double digit growth, driven by an expanded product range
in the USA and market share gains in Argentina. GRAMOXONE(R) performed well in
Latin America and in Asia, with a successful launch of the INTEON(R) formulation
in South Korea and good growth in other south east Asian markets.

Fungicides: major brands AMISTAR(R), BRAVO(R), RIDOMIL GOLD(R), SCORE(R), TILT
(R), UNIX(R)

Fungicides were lower primarily due to limited advance purchases of soybean rust
products in the USA. Sales in Europe were also lower as cold weather reduced
consumption in cereals; market position was, however, reinforced through the
introduction of new BRAVO(R)/triazole combinations to combat septoria
resistance. Sales were higher in Brazil.

Insecticides: major brands ACTARA(R), FORCE(R), KARATE(R), PROCLAIM(R), VERTIMEC
(R)

ACTARA(R) and PROCLAIM(R) continued their growth trend. FORCE(R) performed well
and gained share in the chemical corn rootworm market in the USA. Growth was
registered in most regions, notably Asia and Eastern Europe.

Professional Products: major brands AVICTA(R), CRUISER(R), DIVIDEND(R), HERITAGE
(R), ICON(R), MAXIM(R)

Growth was achieved in all businesses: Seed Care, Lawn & Garden and Home Care.
The main driver was Seed Care, with the successful launch of AVICTA(R) on
cotton. CRUISER(R) continued to expand rapidly on a number of crops, notably
corn and soybean in the USA. In Lawn & Garden growth was driven by Ornamentals.


Half Year Growth 2nd Quarter Growth
Regional 2006 2005 Actual CER 2006 2005 Actual CER
$m $m % % $m $m % %
Europe, Africa & Middle East 1452 1569 - 7 - 2 708 751 - 6 - 4
NAFTA 1579 1582 - - 1 928 952 - 3 - 3
Latin America 327 307 +6 +6 145 115 +26 +26
Asia Pacific 558 529 +5 +8 263 238 +11 +12
Total 3916 3987 - 2 - 2044 2056 - -

Europe, Africa and the Middle East: Western European markets were affected by a
late start to the season which reduced cereal fungicide usage and by the
progressive implementation of subsidy reform. AXIAL(R) was launched
successfully in the UK and Germany, generating strong grower demand. Eastern
Europe continued its double-digit growth trend with a strong performance
throughout the region.

In NAFTA sales were slightly lower due to a weaker farm economy, a decline in
corn acreage and the non-recurrence of advance fungicide sales. These factors
were largely offset by the strong performance of non-selective herbicides,
insecticides, professional products, the continued success of new products
notably CALLISTO(R), ACTARA(R), the launch of AXIAL(R) in cereals and in seed
treatment CRUISER(R) and the launch of AVICTA(R) on expanded cotton acreage.

Latin America: Sales in the low season were higher due primarily to a strong
performance in Brazil. The company increased share in Brazil through the
expanded implementation of effective risk management and successful marketing
programs. This resulted in a resilient performance in the face of lower farmer
profitability arising from the appreciation of the Real.

Asia Pacific: Growth was widespread across the region with notable
contributions from South East Asia, China, Australia and South Korea. The broad
fungicide and insecticide portfolio continues to support expansion in the region
in the major crops of rice and vegetables.

Seeds

For a definition of constant exchange rates, see Appendix A.

Half Year Growth 2nd Quarter Growth
Product line 2006 2005 Actual CER 2006 2005 Actual CER
$m $m % % $m $m % %
Corn & Soybean 708 791 -10 - 9 210 220 - 4 - 4
Diverse Field Crops 242 242 - +6 83 84 - 1 -
Vegetables & Flowers 370 376 - 2 +2 181 184 - 1 -
Total 1320 1409 - 6 - 4 474 488 - 3 -2

Field Crops: major brands NK(R), GARST(R), GOLDEN HARVEST(R) corn and oilseeds,
HILLESHOG(R) sugar beet

First quarter production-related issues in US corn accounted for the decline in
Corn and Soybean sales; soybean sales were higher with gains in both volume and
price. Diverse field crops performed well with strong growth in oilseeds in
Eastern Europe.


Vegetables and Flowers: major brands S&G(R) vegetables, ROGERS(R) vegetables, S&
G(R) flowers

Vegetables maintained its record of steady growth with further expansion in the
emerging markets of Latin America and Asia-Pacific. In the developed markets,
demand for fresh vegetables continues to grow while the processing segment
remains competitive. Branded Fresh Produce continued to make good progress with
the launch of additional new products. Sales of S&G(R) flowers improved
slightly in more stable market conditions.


Half Year Growth 2nd Quarter Growth
Regional 2006 2005 Actual CER 2006 2005 Actual CER
$m $m % % $m $m % %
Europe, Africa & Middle East 516 540 - 4 +3 173 181 - 4 - 2
NAFTA 717 792 -10 -10 252 261 - 4 - 4
Latin America 35 33 +7 +7 21 21 +2 +2
Asia Pacific 52 44 +19 +21 28 25 +15 +16
Total 1320 1409 - 6 - 4 474 488 - 3 - 2

Safe Harbor: This document contains forward-looking statements, which can be
identified by terminology such as 'expect', 'would', 'will', 'potential', '
plans', 'prospects', 'estimated', 'aiming', 'on track' and similar expressions.
Such statements may be subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the
actual results to differ materially from these statements. We refer you to
Syngenta's publicly available filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange
Commission for information about these and other risks and uncertainties.
Syngenta assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect
actual results, changed assumptions or other factors. This document does not
constitute, or form part of, any offer or invitation to sell or issue, or any
solicitation of any offer, to purchase or subscribe for any ordinary shares in
Syngenta AG, or Syngenta ADSs, nor shall it form the basis of, or be relied on
in connection with, any contract therefore.

Syngenta is a world-leading agribusiness committed to sustainable agriculture
through innovative research and technology. The company is a leader in crop
protection, and ranks third in the high-value commercial seeds market. Sales in
2005 were approximately $8.1 billion. Syngenta employs some 19,000 people in
over 90 countries. Syngenta is listed on the Swiss stock exchange (SYNN) and in
New York (SYT). Further information is available at www.syngenta.com.

Analyst/Investor Jonathan Seabrook (Switzerland) [phone]
Enquiries:
Jennifer Gough (Switzerland) [phone]
Rhonda Chiger (USA) + 1 [phone]
Media Enquiries: Medard Schoenmaeckers / Guy Wolff (Switzerland) [phone]
Sarah Hull (USA) + 1 [phone]
Share Registry Enquiries Urs-Andreas Meier [phone]




This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END

IR GLGDRBGDGGLL

[ritgar] 30/6/2006 20:02

One step forward and two steps back...and even some big leaps
both ways seems to be way of it lately. So when I found this I was
so impressed I'm passing it along!

[ariane] 30/6/2006 19:23

Monsanto Results Bode Well For Syngenta

Friday, June 30, 2006 9:27:41 AM ET
Dow Jones Newswires



1215 GMT [Dow Jones]--Monsanto (MON) overall results hint that Syngenta should report pleasing 1H results on July 26, says Sal Oppenheim. The high demand for Monsanto's corn seeds and points to a good season in the US and so Syngenta's crop protection unit should also benefit. Monsanto also said vegetable and fruit seeds had a good start into the season, an area where Syngenta has an even bigger market share. Keeps buy rating with $160 fair value. Trades +1.7% at CHF163.20.(SWZ)

[ariane] 26/6/2006 17:03

Syngenta Down On Bunge News, Peer Comments

Monday, June 26, 2006 10:57:29 AM ET
Dow Jones Newswires



1337 GMT [Dow Jones] Syngenta (SYT) -3.3% at CHF151.30 after Bunge's (BG) cuts its earnings guidance for '06, citing weak markets in Brazil and Argentina, says Lombard Odier Darier Hentsch's Alexandre Pasini. This adds new fuel to last weeks comments from peer BASF (BF) that US and Latin American markets are expected to be weaker in '06 than in '05, not boding too well for Syngenta's 1H results release on July 26, Pasini adds. (SWZ)

[grupo guitarlumber] 16/6/2006 12:07

Helvea Ups Syngenta To Buy On Valuation

Friday, June 16, 2006 6:26:16 AM ET
Dow Jones Newswires



0905 GMT [Dow Jones] Helvea raises Syngenta (SYT) to buy from accumulate on valuation grounds and keeps CHF195 price target. Analyst Martin Flueckiger says a 14% decline in the company's stock price in a recent market sell-off is unjustified. He notes Syngenta's businesses isn't really correlated to the global business cycle, although this depends on agronomical drivers which are looking good overall. Shares trade +2.2% at CHYF158.60. (AAG)

[waldron] 03/6/2006 19:23

The mealie vs Event 3 272

Kevin Davie



02 June 2006 08:45


Ethanol, made from crops such as sugar cane and maize, is attracting interest internationally as a relatively benign, renewable energy source that is cost-effective at current oil prices
The genetic modification (GM) battlefield has been extended to biofuels production, with South Africa featuring among a number of countries that are being asked to allow the import of GM maize to make ethanol.

The GM industry worldwide wants to use GM to boost the energy properties of crops for ethanol production, says an environmental lawyer.

Ethanol is attracting interest internationally as a relatively benign, renewable energy source that is cost- effective at current oil prices.

GM critics say the industry has failed to convince consumers to eat GM products. Now it hopes to cash in by using GM for non-food, fuel production.

Syngenta South Africa, a subsidiary of the Swiss agrochemical giant, gave notice last month of its intention to seek commodity clearance to import its GM maize, Event 3 272, into South Africa to be used to produce ethanol.

Syngenta, which employs 19 000 people, is a market leader in GM. Its GM business, which includes a special seed to boost ethanol production, is growing revenue at 45%, says Jim Cramer of Thestreet.com.

GM is controlled in South Africa by the Genetically Modified Organisms Act of 1997. GM is used in both maize and soya cultivation for human consumption and for cotton and cotton oil for non-food use.

The application has been launched simultaneously in the United States, the European Union and China.

Environmental lawyer Mariam Mayet says Syngenta's Event 3 272 application is the first GM application in the world for commercial approval for a non-food (fuel) use of a food crop (maize).

The South African application is for the import of Event 3 272 maize from an unnamed country. The application is being opposed by the Washington-based Center for Food Safety (CFS) and the Johannesburg-based African Centre for Biodiversity (ACB).

The application, a precedent, gives rise to questions on how the industrial use of GM technology will be regulated, say the CFS's Bill Freese and ACB's Mayet.

Their objections include concerns that a growing permit still has to be issued for the country of origin, that the imported GM maize will contaminate food and feed supply, that GM remains untested technology with unclear consequences and that Event 3 272 uses a new micro-organism from the deep sea that has not been subject to adequate testing.

"Syngenta hopes to cash in on a potentially lucrative burgeoning global bioethanol market, while securing new markets for its GM products where there is little risk of consumer rejection," says Mayet.

She says the ACB is concerned that Event 3 272 will be pushed through the lax regulatory regime in South Africa and present unacceptable risks to human health.

"Contamination of the South African food supply by this GM maize cannot be excluded, as the chances of contamination along the entire production chain are very high."

Freese and Mayet cite widespread contamination in the US and world food supply of animal-feed GM Starlink in 2000 and 2001.

Syngenta, they say, mistakenly distributed large amounts of its unapproved Bt10 maize seed to farmers in the US and elsewhere for nearly four years before the error was reported, resulting in 133-million kilograms of the untested, unreviewed GM corn entering the food supply.

Freese and Mayet argue the need for strict review is more pressing in South Africa, where maize is a staple food crop. In the US or Europe very little maize is consumed.

Freese and Mayet say the enzyme in Event 3 272 is derived from novel deep-sea organisms that have never been a part of the human food supply.

"Very little is known about organisms of the Archaea domain, as they were only recently discovered, and are ubiquitous mainly in inaccessible regions such as the deep sea."

Event 3 272 presents at least two human-health concerns that deserve extremely careful consideration: allergenicity and unintended amplification of toxic compounds through the GM process, claim Freese and Mayet.

"We urge the Department of Agriculture to demand an allergenicity assessment in strict accordance with the internationally recognised standard, FAO-WHO [Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations and the World Health Organisation]."

Mayet says the application for commodity clearance for GM maize that is not yet in commercial production and that has not yet been approved in the country of export, and which is yet to be disclosed, is in contravention of the objectives, spirit and provisions of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, to which South Africa is a party.

The Department of Agriculture's Julian Jaftha says public notification is the first step in a process required by the GMO Act. Applications go to an advisory committee, which makes a scientific assessment. Depending on the outcome, recommendations are made to an executive council.

Six government departments -- agriculture, trade and industry, labour, science and technology, health and environment -- are involved in the decision-making process.

More vroom
Syngenta South Africa's head of regulatory affairs, Kulani Machaba, said the application was for a commodity clearance, meaning that Event 3 272 will be imported and not grown in the country.

He said he could not see how Event 3 272 could contaminate the maize supply as it would not be grown in South Africa and would have to be ground at the port of entry.

He said Syngenta was ready to address concerns and that GM had to pass rigorous testing otherwise it would not be brought to market.

Machaba dismissed the objections raised by Bill Freese and Mariam Mayet as "empty allegations" but said he may need more time to be able to respond in detail.

Syngenta's public notice reads:

"This is to inform the public that an application for commodity clearance of genetically modified Event 3 272 maize has been submitted by Syngenta South Africa. Upon receiving official authorisation; Event 3 272 maize could be imported in South Africa.

"Event 3 272 maize contains the amy797E gene derived from micro-organisms of the archeal order Thermococcales and the pmi gene from Escherichia coli. The amy797 E gene encodes the thermostable amy797E alpha-amylase enzyme, which catalyzes hydrolysis of starch into smaller and less complex carbohydrate molecules during the starch liquefaction step of the dry-grind ethanol process. The pmi gene encodes the PMI enzyme as a selectable marker. PMI allows transformed cells to use mannose as a primary carbon source during the process of regenerating plant material after transformation.

"In those countries where Event 3272 maize will be cultivated, the grain will be used in the dry-grind fuel ethanol process. It is not intended to be used in other processing applications (for example wet-milling and dry-milling processes) or to be exported as a commodity crop. However, it cannot be excluded that the harvest originally intended to be used in the dry-grind fuel ethanol industry or the by-products of this processing could enter international trade routs at extremely low levels. This is not an application for cultivation or release into the environment."-- Kevin Davie

Imports go home
GrainSA will be opposing Syngenta's application to import Event 3 272, says Fanie Brink, not because it is anti-genetic modification (GM) or new technology, but because farmers cannot grow these mealies since this technology is yet to be approved for use as a cultivar in South Africa.

This means that South African farmers are competitively disadvantaged.

"We have no problem with GM," says Brink, manager of industry services at GrainSA. "But farmers can't plant that cultivar because it is not approved by the local Act."

Brink says he suspects the new cultivar will be grown in the United States. This raises the prospect that South African farmers will be asked to compete against a cultivar that they are not permitted to grow and the heavily subsidised US maize farmer.

"We are trying to develop a biofuels industry to help both the emerging and commercial farmer," says Brink. "[Importing Event 3 272] goes against all these plans." -- Kevin Davie

[waldron] 03/6/2006 18:27

May 31, 2006 06:00 AM US Eastern Timezone
Zacks Analyst Interview Highlights: TOTAL, ENI S.p.A., Syngenta and Monsanto
CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 31, 2006--Zacks.com releases the latest Analyst Interview. Today's interview is with equity research analyst Santiago Burgaleta, who discusses TOTAL (NYSE:TOT), ENI S.p.A. (NYSE:E), Syngenta (NYSE:SYT) and Monsanto (NYSE:MON).


A synopsis of today's Analyst Interview is presented below. The full article can be read at

How are high oil prices affecting Europe? Is it similar to what Americans are experiencing?

Recent inflation figures stood at 2.1% for Euro-land, in-line with expectations, so the recent rise in oil prices has not hit inflation numbers as the recent sell-off in Euro-equities suggest. Although this is obviously above the European Central Bank (ECB) target, we generally think that an inflationary spiral is not starting in Europe. The impact of higher oil prices has been more pronounced in some sectors, such as Consumer Staples, but so far it is not spreading over the entire economic system. ECB's rhetoric suggests they are being pretty vigilant on this issue.

How about the performance of European oil companies?

TOTAL (NYSE:TOT) and ENI S.p.A. (NYSE:E) are direct beneficiaries of higher oil prices, although their multiples have compressed a bit. Some investors are probably taking some money from oil companies, discounting lower oil prices going forward. We believe it is too premature to talk about this, however, and we are still buyers of TOTAL.

Are European crop-based companies such as Syngenta (NYSE:SYT) benefiting from the new excitement about ethanol?

Syngenta has some exposure to the current ethanol boom, but it is too early to suggest ethanol sales will impact Syngenta's revenue. Management has not made any comments regarding any future plans to increase its exposure to ethanol. We believe the stock has been moving on news flow regarding the victory in a lawsuit against Monsanto on patents for making corn resistant to Monsanto's (NYSE: MON) Roundup herbicide. This could be a good catalyst to narrow the valuation gap between the two companies, which is still exaggerated, in our opinion.

Read the full interview at

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[waldron] 02/6/2006 10:59

Syngenta's Seeds Deal Not The Last One

Friday, June 02, 2006 5:25:08 AM ET
Dow Jones Newswires



0816 GMT [Dow Jones] Syngenta's (SYT) acquisition of Emergent Genetics Vegetable from US holding company International Seed is small and not the last one in this area, says Helvea. "We believe the company will continue to look out for small-to-mid-sized acquisitions of $20M-$500M," such as seed companies. Estimates the fragmented vegetable seeds market is worth around $2B, growing at low-to-mid-single digit rates, in which Syngenta is the number two with around 12% market share. Keeps at accumulate. Shares -0.5% at CHF166.(SWZ)

[waldron] 24/5/2006 07:15

Exercise of Syngenta put opt

RNS Number:4802D
Syngenta AG
24 May 2006


Media Release

Exercise of Syngenta put options

Basel, Switzerland, May 24, 2006

On February 23, 2006 Syngenta issued put options giving shareholders the right
to sell to the company one Syngenta AG registered share for 30 options at a
price of CHF 234 per share. 99,659,925 options were issued.

The exercise period closed on May 23, with a total of 98,408,790 put options
(98.7%) declared for exercise. On this basis Syngenta expects to repurchase
3,280,293 shares on May 29. The repurchased shares will be proposed for
cancellation at the 2007 Annual General Meeting.

Syngenta is a world-leading agribusiness committed to sustainable agriculture
through innovative research and technology. The company is a leader in crop
protection, and ranks third in the high-value commercial seeds market. Sales in
2005 were approximately $8.1 billion. Syngenta employs more than 19,000 people
in over 90 countries. Syngenta is listed on the Swiss stock exchange (SYNN) and
in New York (SYT). Further information is available at www.syngenta.com.

Media Enquiries: Switzerland: Guy Wolff Tel: [phone]
USA: Sarah Hull Tel: [phone]
UK: Andrew Coker Tel: [phone]

Analysts/Investors: Switzerland: Jonathan Seabrook Tel: [phone]
Jennifer Gough Tel: [phone]
USA: Rhonda Chiger Tel: [phone]

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This document contains forward-looking statements, which can be identified by
terminology such as 'expect', 'would', 'will', 'potential', 'plans', '
prospects', 'estimated', 'aiming', 'on track' and similar expressions. Such
statements may be subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual
results to differ materially from these statements. We refer you to Syngenta's
publicly available filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for
information about these and other risks and uncertainties. Syngenta assumes no
obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results,
changed assumptions or other factors. This document does not constitute, or form
part of, any offer or invitation to sell or issue, or any solicitation of any
offer, to purchase or subscribe for any ordinary shares in Syngenta AG, or
Syngenta ADSs, nor shall it form the basis of, or be relied on in connection
with, any contract therefor.


This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END

NRAEAKSLAEEKEEE

[waldron] 23/5/2006 09:42

Syngenta A Buying Opportunity - UBS

Tuesday, May 23, 2006 2:54:11 AM ET
Dow Jones Newswires



0542 GMT [Dow Jones] Syngenta's (SYT) valuation following the recent underperformance represents a buying opportunity, says UBS. Adds Syngenta's sale of its cotton seeds business to Delta & Pine Land (DLP) is probably also a move to further improve margins at its seeds business unit. "Cotton is not a cash crop and players without size...lack profitability." Keeps buy rating, CHF240 price target. Shares closed at CHF153.10. (SWZ)

[waldron] 03/5/2006 08:51

2006:
Half year results 26 July 2006
Third quarter results 20 October 2006

[waldron] 20/4/2006 16:38

Corn seed may lower cost of ethanol
Antonio Ligi
2006-04-21
SYNGENTA AG, the world's biggest maker of crop chemicals, will introduce the first enzyme-enhanced corn seed designed to cut the cost of ethanol to take advantage of surging demand for the alternative fuel.

The seeds, which contain an enzyme that turns the corn's starch into sugar for ethanol, will debut next year in the United States, Syngenta's head of development, David Jones, said in an interview at the company's Basel, Switzerland headquarters. The new product may bring in "significant" sales, he said.

Syngenta and US rivals Monsanto Co and DuPont Co are benefiting from demand for corn to make ethanol as crude oil trades above US$70 a barrel. A century after Henry Ford used the biofuel to propel cars, government leaders, including President George W. Bush, are promoting ethanol as way to reduce the global dependence on expensive oil.

The seeds, containing a thermal-tolerant digestive enzyme called amylase, will reduce costs by eliminating the need for mills to add liquid enzymes, said Jones, who oversees Syngenta's seed-development program. Syngenta declined to give an estimate on how much the new seeds will cut production costs. The seeds don't increase yields, just make it easier to manufacture.

Syngenta's shares have gained about 49 percent over the last year.

[waldron] 19/4/2006 17:05

Syngenta Failed To Pass On Price Hikes -DrKW

Wednesday, April 19, 2006 10:59:51 AM ET
Dow Jones Newswires



1341 GMT [Dow Jones]--Syngenta (SYT) wasn't able to push through price increases in 1Q and don't expect any in 2Q, says Dresdner Kleinwort Wasserstein. Regards Syngenta's reiteration of full-year EPS target as already priced-in. Adds that besides the currency impact, corn seeds sales in the US had a "major hiccup," as the integration of business bought in 2004 bestowed some unexpected problems. Also sees some excess inventory of crop protection products in the distribution chain. Keeps hold rating, CHF185 target. Shares -0.4% at CHF179.80. (SWZ)

[waldron] 19/4/2006 16:26

Syngenta 1Q Sales Fall Was In-Line -Sarasin

Wednesday, April 19, 2006 10:59:52 AM ET
Dow Jones Newswires



1342 GMT [Dow Jones]--Syngenta's (SYT) 1Q sales decline is broadly in line with expectations and nothing to worry about, says Bank Sarasin. The bank will slightly cut its top- line estimate for the current year due to the temporary supply problems in the corn seeds business, but leaves bottom-line estimates unchanged as more high margin businesses are expected to compensate for the shortfall. Keeps buy rating and CHF205 target. Shares -0.6% at CHF179.50. (SWZ

[waldron] 19/4/2006 16:24

Syngenta Failed To Pass On Price Hikes -DrKW

Wednesday, April 19, 2006 10:59:51 AM ET
Dow Jones Newswires



1341 GMT [Dow Jones]--Syngenta (SYT) wasn't able to push through price increases in 1Q and don't expect any in 2Q, says Dresdner Kleinwort Wasserstein. Regards Syngenta's reiteration of full-year EPS target as already priced-in. Adds that besides the currency impact, corn seeds sales in the US had a "major hiccup," as the integration of business bought in 2004 bestowed some unexpected problems. Also sees some excess inventory of crop protection products in the distribution chain. Keeps hold rating, CHF185 target. Shares -0.4% at CHF179.80. (SWZ)