Synthomer Np Discussion Threads

[the grumpy old men] 30/3/2007 15:32

Ethanol demand boosts corn planting


DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - High demand from the ethanol industry and strong
export sales are expected to translate this year into the biggest U.S. corn
planting since 1944, according to a report released Friday.
Corn planting will be up 15 percent this year to 90.5 million acres and 12.1
million more acres than in 2006, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's annual
prospective plantings report said.
Iowa remains on top with the most corn acres to be planted at 13.9 million
-- a 10.3 percent increase from last year.
"A lot of the producers in the Midwest are planting more corn and not as
much soybean," said Greg Thessen, field crops section head for the USDA's
National Agricultural Statistics Service.
He said even some southern farmers are choosing corn over cotton and rice.
That switch means an 11 percent drop in soybean acres from 2006, with
farmers planning to plant 67.1 million acres this year. Cotton is expected to
reach 12.1 million acres, down 20 percent from 2006, and rice will drop 7
percent to 2.64 million acres.
Some grains are expected to rise. Wheat is expected to rise 5 percent with
60.3 million acres. Other increases include: sorghum, up 9 percent; canola, up
12 percent; and barley, up 7 percent.
During the first two weeks of March, the USDA asked more than 86,000 farmers
across the country what they intended to plant this year. Figures of actual
acres planted for the year will be released on June 29.

[grupo guitarlumber] 30/3/2007 07:10

Syngenta buys flower company for $67M


NEW YORK (AP) - Agricultural chemical maker and seed breeder Syngenta AG
said Thursday it acquired flower breeder and marketer the Fischer group for
about $67 million on a cash and debt-free basis.
Syngenta said it anticipates the deal will close during the second quarter
of 2007, pending regulatory approval. The company will use the acquisition to
increase its flower business.
Germany-based Fischer is a privately held company which posted sales of $86
million for the last fiscal year.
It currently sells flowers in more than 20 countries under its Fischer and
pelfi brands, which Syngenta said it will maintain.
Syngenta shares added 79 cents to close at $37.30 on the New York Stock
Exchange. The stock declined 8 cents in after-hours trading to $37.22.

[maywillow] 29/3/2007 07:53

Syngenta Ag Syngenta to acquire Fischer


RNS Number:9561T
Syngenta AG
29 March 2007


Media Release

Syngenta to acquire Fischer, leading European flowers company

Basel, Switzerland, March 29, 2007

Syngenta announced today the acquisition of the Fischer group for a
consideration of approximately $67 million on a cash and debt free basis.
Fischer is a privately held vegetative flowers company specializing in the
breeding and marketing of flower crops. For the fiscal year 2005/2006, Fischer
reported sales of $86 million; the company is headquartered in Germany.

"We are delighted to welcome the Fischer organization to Syngenta with its
strong record in marketing and innovation", said Robert Berendes, Head of
Business Development at Syngenta. "This will accelerate the implementation of
our Flowers strategy and strengthen our global leadership position."

Josef Fischer, CEO of Fischer, commented: "Combining our varieties, cultivation
knowledge and supply processes will enhance our service and support to all our
customers, with whom we can now access exciting growth potential in flowers."

Fischer is highly complementary to Syngenta Flowers, bringing leadership in
three of the ten best-selling flower crops to its existing portfolio. It is the
global leader in pelargonium (geranium) and has leading positions in poinsettia
and New Guinea impatiens. The company sells flower crops in over 20 countries
under well-known brands including Fischer(R) and pelfi(R); these brands will be
maintained. Fischer employs around 1,700 people.

The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2007, pending
regulatory approvals.

Syngenta's S&G(R) Flowers is a worldwide leader in the pot and bedding plant
industry with a large proprietary portfolio. Operating on a global basis, S&G
breeds and markets superior proprietary flowers as seeds, young plants and
cuttings for the ornamental industry. In 2006, Syngenta reported flowers sales
of $228 million.

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
2006 were approximately $8.1 billion. Syngenta employs around 19,500 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: Medard Schoenmaeckers (Switzerland) [phone]
Sarah Hull (US) [phone]
Andrew Coker (UK) [phone]



Analysts/Investors: Jonathan Seabrook [phone]
[phone]
Jennifer Gough [phone]
[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

ACQPUUUUWUPMUQB

[waldron] 27/3/2007 14:56

Sow another day




Sandeep Singh
Posted online: Tuesday , March 27, 2007 at 0955 IST
For a country where farming is the bread-and-butter for a majority of the population and where many policy initiatives are being taken to perk up agricultural growth, an up-and-coming producer of hybrid seeds like Advanta India should be an automatic pick. Indeed, Advanta, a subsidiary of United Phosphorus, has many things going for it government emphasis on agriculture, finally a promoter intent on developing the business, global presence, products in the pipeline...





However, when it comes to making an investment call on its IPO, the noise at the policy level and the intent demonstrated by the company gets overshadowed by the tame and uncertain harvest in terms of numbers.

Promoter risk

Set up as a JV between ITC and Zeneca in 1994, Advanta India changed hands several times, before being bought by United Phosphorus in August 2006. Along with it, United also got the Australian, Thai and Argentinean businesses. Most of the proceeds the Rs 202.8-219.7 crore public issue and the Rs 104 crore pre-placement allotment at Rs 625 a share will go towards repaying the debt taken to fund this acquisition.

United Phosphorus is the largest producer of crop protection products in India. It will be looking to replicate this success in the seed production business also, but it won't be easy, given that it will have to build market acceptance for hybrid seeds, even as it competes against global leaders like Monsanto and Syngenta.

Globally, the seeds business is worth about $33 billion a year. In India, it's about Rs 4,500 crore ($1 billion), half of which is accounted for by unorganised players. Advanta sees this as an opportunity. It feels it can get farmers to give up open pollinated seeds in favour of hybrid seeds, which give higher crop yields and are more disease resistant. In India, Advanta is mainly into seeds to produce rice, mustard, sunflower, corn and grain.

In 2005-06, India accounted for just 14 per cent of revenues, but 32 per cent of operating profit. Even though India might be a market with great potential, Advanta is still dependent on sales in other countries and on performance of its subsidiaries in other countries. It's the leader in Australia (also, its most-profitable arm) and a big player in Thailand.

The gameplan of the Shroffs, the promoters, is to produce seeds in these four countries, and sell in 14-18 countries, possibly more. That calls for streamlining operations so as to reduce costs and increase efficiency. The Shroffs have a track record of delivering, but can they do so with a new operation that spans four countries? It's a bit of an unknown, and the first reason for our hesitancy in recommending this company as an investment.

Price risk

The second reason is growth, more so in the context of valuations. Historic growth cannot be ascertained, as the company's consolidated structure came into place only last year. Its Indian operations, though, have grown at a modest annualised rate of 10.6 per cent in the last three years. Among is peers, Monsanto has crawled in the last three years (4 per cent CAGR), while Syngenta has done better (30 per cent CAGR).

Growth in this business is likely to be characterised by steady increments of 10-15 per cent a year, not strong jumps. That's acceptable. But the valuations that Advanta is asking for in the backdrop of such growth is not. In 2006-07, the company is expected to post a combined net profit of Rs 38 crore. On the issue price band of Rs 600-650, that gives a PE of 26.3 and 28.5, respectively. By comparison, Monsanto and Syngenta, both of which are more established in India, trade at a PE of 19 and 26, respectively. Skip the issue for now, but watch this company.

[ariane] 24/3/2007 11:02

23 Mar 2007 Genetic engineering industry hopes to save the world

Friday, March 23, 2007
By Markus Städeli

Michael Pragnell is not a man to indulge in rhetoric. But when it comes to the issue of bio fuels, the English CEO of the Swiss agrichemical business is suddenly willing to speak his mind: "Without green biotechnology, the C02 and bio fuel targets of the EU and those laid down by the USA will be impossible to attain," Pragnell comments. He adds: "People in Europe too will be obliged to acknowledge that fact."



Greenpeace has recently sparked of the genetic engineering controversy in Europe once again. The environmental protection organization claims that a genetically modified maize made by Monsanto has caused liver and kidney damage to experimental animals.

Monsanto strongly contests these accusations. lt points out that the first generation of biotech seed materials has been on the market for eleven years and is already being grown on 10 per cent of all farm land, Pragnell comments. "The resulting products have proved absolutely safe to man and nature."

The bio fuel boom has adverse consequences

However, opposition to this technology remains strong. On the other hand, the genetic engineering industry does now see an opportunity to permanently clean up its somewhat tarnished Image. It hopes that the bioethanol boom will help here.

Next year, Syngenta plans to launch a genetically modified maize called maize amylase. Pragnell promises an efficiency gain in ethanol manufacture. He is not prepared to quantity this gain as yet, because approval of the dossier is still pending with the health authorities. We will have to wait for large scale production of ethanol with the new crops to begin to see just how great the gain in fact is.

"These large scale trials are planned for next year, once the authorities have given us the green light for maize amylase." The Syngenta CEO regards maize amylase as no more than a first step: "Up to 40 per cent of all maize and sugar cane crops cannot be used at present for ethanol production," according to Pragnell. "With the next generation of biotech seed materials, we want to ensure that the whole plant and every kind of biomass can be converted into fuel."

The Danish biotech company Novozymes hopes to see an early solution to this problem. "A technical solution for the conversion of cellulose into bioethanol can probably be launched commercially in four to five years time," according to Poul Ruben Andersen, Biofuels Marketing Manager.

The company has already been visited by George W. Bush. The US President also reached agreement recently with the Brazilian Head of State Lula da Silva to cooperate on ethanol manufacture.

The Syngenta CEO is convinced that the food industry will not be able to dispense in future with improved seed materials either; this in turn means biotechnology.

"The world population is expected to grow from the present figure of 6.5 billion to more than 9 billion in the year 2050. But farmland is a finite resource." In addition, there is competition with the bioethanol producers for the scarce crops. "New technologies are needed to increase yields."

Technical solutions are indeed necessary. The bioethanol boom is having adverse secondary effects even before It really gets off the ground. The price of maize, which is processed in the USA on a massive scale to obtain bioethanol, has massively increased in the space of just twelve months. There is a fight between the food industry and the energy companies to get their hands on the scarce resources. The higher price of maize has also brought some steep rises in the price of Mexican tortillas, chicken and ketchup.

Things are not much better in Brazil, the world's largest bioethanol producer. In that country faster destruction of the ram forest is likely in an effort to win new arable land on which to grow sugar cane.

The Heads of State gave no thought to that aspect when they recently laid down ambitious bioethanol targets: the EU plans in future to add 10 per cent of bio fuels to its petrol, while the USA even has a figure of 15 per cent in mind.

© 1998-2007 CASH.ch, Ringier AG



Links:
Source: CASH.ch



Related articles:
Bush target on ethanol may not be accomplished, says energy agency (02 Mar 2007)

President Bush hits the road to push energy initiatives (23 Feb 2007)

Bush seeks to cut farm program funds (01 Feb 2007)

Plant-incorporated protectant rules affirmed by administration; comments invited on supplemental notice and report (25 Jul 2001)

[grupo guitarlumber] 20/3/2007 20:44

2007:
Full year results 8 February 2007
First quarter sales 2 May 2007
Half year results 26 July 2007
Third quarter sales 18 October 2007

[grupo guitarlumber] 19/3/2007 21:32

Syngenta France allows 13 GM trials for 2007; to adopt EU rules by decree by end-March


PARIS (AFX) - The French agriculture ministry said it has authorised 13
field trials for genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in 2007, adding that EU
rules on GMOs will be adopted by decree "before the end of March".
The companies who have received licences for this year's round of trials are
Syngenta, Pioneer, Librophyt, Biogemma, Monsanto and BASF.
The number of trials compares with 17 in 2006.
The trials will include 12 for maize and one for tobacco. A 14th
application, involving a genetically modified potato, was rejected by the
Commission du Genie Biomoleculaire (CGB).
The CGB said it received 26,306 comments during a recent public
consultation, adding that none caused it to reconsider its approval for the 13
trials.
Separately, the agriculture ministry said the French government will publish
decrees before the end of the month in order to write EU rules on GMOs into
national law.
France faces heavy fines from the EU if it does not go ahead and adopt the
European rules.
But the government has delayed doing so in the face of intense opposition to
GMOs in France, led by presidential candidate Jose Bove.

[e-mail]
afp/gt/jsa

[ariane] 13/2/2007 15:53

Monsanto aims to grow market share


ST. LOUIS (AP) - Seeds and biotech company Monsanto Co. said Monday it will
focus on aggressively expanding its market share between now and 2010.
For the remainder of the decade, Monsanto said it will key on six factors;
including its U.S. and foreign corn seeds and traits business, its international
traits business, its cotton business, its Seminis fruit and vegetable seed
business and its research and development pipeline.
"While it's still early in our fiscal year, we're on track and making real
progress against each of these six factors," Hugh Grant, Monsanto's president,
chairman and chief executive, said in remarks prepared for an investors
conference in New York.
"Our U.S. business remains focused on growing corn seed sales, increasing
the penetration of our trait technologies, and accelerating the adoption of our
stacked-trait products."
Monsanto said preseason estimates for its U.S. corn business show that its
national corn seed brands could post growth toward the upper end of its
previously announced range of an increase of 1 to 2 market share points.
The company said its American Seeds Inc. business, which is comprised of
regional seed companies, is also expected to grow both organically and through
acquisitions.
Preseason estimates show that the business could experience organic growth
of up to a half percent of the U.S. corn seed market, Monsanto said.
Monsanto's said demand for its U.S. trait technologies is high, with acreage
planted with Roundup Ready Flex cotton expected to grow from about 14 percent of
total planted U.S. cotton acres last year, to 25 to 30 percent this season.
Monsanto shares rose 80 cents to $54.56 in morning trading on the New York
Stock Exchange.

[ariane] 12/2/2007 11:45

Syngenta "buy," target price raised

Monday, February 12, 2007 9:40:55 PM ET
Deutsche Bank

LONDON, February 12 (newratings.com) - Analyst Jonathan Jayarajan of Deutsche Bank reiterates his "buy" rating on Syngenta (SVJ.ETR), while raising his estimates for the company. The target price has been raised from CHF250 to CHF270.

In a research note published on February 9, the analyst mentions that the company has reported its FY06 normalized EBITDA marginally short of the estimates due to the delay in cost-cutting worth $30 million from 2H06 to 1H07 and a higher-than-expected adverse impact of currency valuations. Syngenta has announced a combined dividend and share purchase of a minimum of $800 million and a fresh cost-cutting programme of $350 million. The EPS estimates for 2008-2010 have been raised by 1%-7%.

[waldron] 08/2/2007 18:41

(Updating with full interview)

ZURICH (AFX) - Syngenta AG (nyse: SYT - news - people ) expects to maintain an EBITDA margin of 19-20 pct next year, after achieving a margin of 19.1 pct in 2006, chief executive Michael Pragnell said.

'This is a good margin and we are happy with that,' Pragnell said in an interview with AFX News.

Syngenta's second performance indicator, return on capital, is currently over 21 pct and therefore also comfortably above the agribusiness group's 20 pct target, he explained.

Pragnell also said that he expects oil price-related costs to decrease significantly this year, to somewhere around 40 mln usd, from 110 mln in 2006, amid an ongoing decline in oil prices.

The underperformance of the seeds business -- seeds sales fell 2 pct last year as opposed to a 1 pct rise in crop protection -- was entirely due to difficulties in production-related issues, he noted.

If there are problems during the four months time-window of the planting season, this will affect the entire business year, he explained.

On balance, however, the seeds segment managed to improve margins 'quite significantly' last year on the back of a strong second half performance, Pragnell said.

The recent approval of new corn traits -- double-stacks will be launched this year and triple stacks available from next year -- will allow Syngenta to continue to improve profitability and achieve the management's EBITDA margin target for seeds of 15 pct, he said.

In crop protection, Brazil has been a notable underperformer in past seasons, but the outlook is better now even though it is still early days, he said.

The market's weakness is mainly related to the fall of the Brazilian currency, the real, resulting in local farmers being unable to make profits when exporting into dollar-denominated markets such as China, he noted.

Additionally, there was a reduction in soy bean acreage although this was less significant than had been anticipated, Pragnell said.

Although less than 5 pct of Syngenta's total sales last year went into the production of biofuels, this figure is likely to increase in the future, he said.

Pragnell said that Syngenta is hoping for the regulatory approval and market launch of a new enzyme for the production of ethanol, on top of existing US corn and oil seeds crops in Central/Eastern Europe.

Asked about the long-running dispute with environmental activists over the safety of pesticide Paraquat, Pragnell said the product is safe when instructions are followed.

The product has already been marketed for more than forty years and Syngenta has in the past fully cooperated with the Declaration of Bern, which is the driving force behind the protests, he said.

[e-mail]

at/amb/at/rar

[waldron] 08/2/2007 07:09

RNS Number:9213Q
Syngenta AG
08 February 2007


Financial release


Full Year Results 2006

Basel, Switzerland, 8 February 2007

'Performance reinforces leadership position'

* Sales unchanged at constant exchange rates: $8.05 billion

* Earnings per share(1) up 14 percent to $8.73

* Crop Protection sales up 1 percent(2) at $6.4 billion

* New product sales up 25 percent(2) to $985 million

* Seeds corn traits launches on track: full offer 2008

* Further operational efficiencies: $350 million annual savings by 2011

* 2007 cash return around $800 million: increased dividend, share
repurchase

[waldron] 08/2/2007 07:08

RNS Number:9213Q
Syngenta AG
08 February 2007


Financial release


Full Year Results 2006

Basel, Switzerland, 8 February 2007

'Performance reinforces leadership position'

* Sales unchanged at constant exchange rates: $8.05 billion

* Earnings per share(1) up 14 percent to $8.73

* Crop Protection sales up 1 percent(2) at $6.4 billion

* New product sales up 25 percent(2) to $985 million

* Seeds corn traits launches on track: full offer 2008

* Further operational efficiencies: $350 million annual savings by 2011

* 2007 cash return around $800 million: increased dividend, share
repurchase

Financial Highlights
Excluding Restructuring, Impairment As reported under IFRS
2006 2005 Actual CER(2) 2006 2005
$m $m % % $m $m
Sales 8046 8104 - 1 - 8046 8104
Net Income(3) 872 779 +12 634 622
Earnings per Share $8.73 $7.67 +14 $6.35 $6.13

Michael Pragnell, Chief Executive Officer, said:

"In 2006, Syngenta demonstrated resilience in markets that were challenging,
notably in the important first half. Crop Protection once again increased sales
and gained market share driven by an excellent performance from new products;
leadership was reinforced in the USA; Eastern Europe and Asia Pacific delivered
strong growth; growth was also achieved in Latin America despite difficult
conditions in Brazil. Professional Products accelerated growth, driven
primarily by Seed Care. After a difficult first half in US Corn & Soybean,
Seeds performed well in the second half with double digit growth in Vegetables
and expansion in Diverse Field Crops; further regulatory milestones were
achieved including EPA approval of our corn rootworm trait. Our continuing
focus on cost and capital efficiency underpinned increased earnings and
delivered strong free cash flow."



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

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

(3) Net income to shareholders of Syngenta AG.


Highlights for 2006

Sales at constant exchange rates (CER) were unchanged; reported sales were one
percent lower at $8.05 billion. Crop Protection sales* rose one percent (CER);
Seeds sales were two percent lower; in the second half Seeds sales rose six
percent.

EBITDA improved by one percent (CER) to $1.54 billion. Growth in high margin
businesses and operational efficiency savings more than offset the impact of
higher oil price-related costs and enabled additional expenditure in marketing
and development. The EBITDA margin was unchanged at 19.1 percent.

Currency: The relative weakness of the US dollar in the second half of the year
resulted in a $32 million negative impact on full year EBITDA.

Earnings per share, excluding restructuring and impairment rose 14 percent to
$8.73. The increase was driven by 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 $6.35 (2005: $6.13).

Crop Protection: The business outperformed a challenging market due to the
strength of its portfolio and the ongoing success of its marketing strategy.
New products continued to expand with sales up 25 percent to $985 million driven
by the successful launches of AXIAL(R) and AVICTA(R) and by continuing growth in
CALLISTO(R) and ACTARA(R)/CRUISER(R). In NAFTA sales were higher after a strong
second half performance. In EAME, growth in Eastern Europe and in Africa and
the Middle East offset lower sales in Western Europe. In Latin America growth
was achieved despite reduced soybean acreage in Brazil, as the broad product
range and effective risk management led to further market share gain. Asia
Pacific increased sales in a number of markets, notably China, India and South
East Asia. Sales of Professional Products were up 18 percent with strong growth
in Seed Care supplemented by a good performance in Lawn and Garden. In August
the ornamentals business was augmented by the acquisition of Conrad Fafard, Inc.

EBITDA increased by one percent (CER) to $1509 million, as sales growth and
operational savings more than offset the impact of higher oil price-related
costs and increased marketing and development expenditure.

Seeds: Strong growth in Diverse Field Crops and Vegetables largely offset a
decline in Corn and Soybean due to first quarter production-related issues.
Diverse Field Crops performed strongly, capitalizing on the increased demand for
biofuels. In Vegetables, demand for fresh produce continues to expand and sales
increased across all regions, with good growth in the developing markets of
Latin America and Asia. The input trait pipeline for corn progressed well, with
the launch of the glyphosate tolerance/corn borer double stack and the granting
of EPA approval in October for Agrisure(TM) RW, a proprietary trait for corn
rootworm control, and Agrisure(TM) CB/RW double-stack in January 2007.

EBITDA increased 17 percent (CER) to $158 million driven by cost savings and
growth in high margin businesses.

R&D pipeline: In Crop Protection the new vegetable fungicide REVUS(R) received
regulatory approval and first launches are now underway. Product combinations
based on the novel insecticide RynaxypyrTM, licensed exclusively on a world-wide
basis from DuPont, are making good progress towards a 2008 launch; the two
fungicides, 520 and 524 and the corn selective herbicide 449, all passed
important milestones and were advanced into late development; two new compounds
entered the research optimization stage.

* Crop Protection sales include $77 million of inter-segment sales.


In Seeds, a complete range of input traits in corn is on track, with
double-stacks launching this year and the triple stack available for the 2008
growing season. From 2008 onwards the company aims to launch a number of second
generation traits including: corn amylase for more efficient bioethanol
production; drought tolerant corn; aphid and nematode-resistant soybean.

Operational efficiency: Annual cost savings from the program announced in 2004
reached $350 million, more than offsetting a cumulative oil price-related cost
increase of $230 million. The program will be completed one year ahead of
schedule in 2007, with expected total savings meeting the target of $425
million. The total cost will be $500 million in cash and $320 million in
non-cash charges.

Further efficiencies are targeted with annualized savings of $350 million by
2011. Savings will be made in both cost of goods and operating expenses
enabling additional investments in technology, marketing and product development
to drive future growth. The cost of the new program is estimated at $700
million in cash and $250 million in non-cash charges.

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

Cash flow and balance sheet: Free cash flow, after acquisitions of $145m, was
$614 million. Fixed capital expenditure of $217 million (2005: $174 million)
was below depreciation of $230 million. Average trade working capital as a
percentage of sales was 43 percent (2005: 40 percent) with higher year end
inventories and receivables. At period end net debt was $1153 million (2005:
$860 million) representing a gearing ratio of 20 percent (2005: 16 percent).

Cash return to shareholders: The Company continued its share repurchase program
in 2006, repurchasing 3.3 million shares in May through a put option structure.
A total dividend of $260 million was paid in July in the form of a nominal value
reduction. The total returned to shareholders in 2006 was $889 million,
bringing the cumulative return over the three years
2004-2006 to $1.6 billion.

For 2007 the company aims to return around $800m to shareholders through a 15
percent increase in the dividend and a share repurchase program. A dividend of
CHF 3.80 per share (2005: CHF 3.30), of which CHF 2.20 will be paid by nominal
value reduction, will be submitted for shareholder approval at the AGM on 2 May
2007 with a request to cancel the shares repurchased in 2006.

Outlook


Michael Pragnell, Chief Executive Officer, said:

"The ongoing strength of the business and delivery of our strategy enable us to
reaffirm our target of double-digit growth in earnings per share* through 2008,
whilst making additional investments in technology, marketing and product
development. Looking further ahead, our leadership position in Crop Protection
will be complemented by the rapid expansion of our biotechnology offer in Seeds.
This, coupled with additional operational efficiencies will drive earnings
growth through the end of the decade. Furthermore, the strength of our balance
sheet enables us to continue to return cash to our shareholders."

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

Crop Protection


For a definition of constant exchange rates, see Appendix A.
Full Year Growth 4th Quarter Growth
Product line 2006 2005 Actual CER 2006 2005 Actual CER
$m $m % % $m $m % %
Selective herbicides 1813 1889 - 4 - 3 245 249 - 2 - 4
Non-selective herbicides 725 688 +5 +5 124 123 +1 - 1
Fungicides 1716 1779 - 3 - 2 370 356 +4 +1
Insecticides 1093 1100 - 1 - 239 224 +7 +5
Professional products 958 807 +18 +18 249 170 +46 +44
Others 73 67 +8 +8 31 53 -40 -42
Total 6378 6330 +1 +1 1258 1175 +7 +5

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

The CALLISTO(R) range for corn continued to expand in both the Americas and in
Europe augmented by the roll-out of combination products. In the USA sales of
selective herbicides overall were lower due primarily to a reduction in corn
acreage. In cereal herbicides, AXIAL(R) was successfully launched in a number
of major markets. Sales of TOPIK(R) were lower reflecting unfavorable weather
conditions in Europe and the USA.

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

Both GRAMOXONE(R) and TOUCHDOWN(R) demonstrated good growth. TOUCHDOWN(R) grew
strongly in the USA, driven by an expanded product range and the further
penetration of glyphosate-tolerant technology in corn. GRAMOXONE(R) achieved
growth in Latin America and broad-based growth in Asia augmented by the
successful launch of GRAMOXONE(R) INTEON(R) in South Korea.

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

After a difficult first half in Europe, due to the severe winter, and in the
USA, as a result of drought in the south, fungicide sales recovered in the
second half. Sales of AMISTAR(R) increased in Asia and in Latin America,
despite difficult market conditions in Brazil. SCORE(R) showed good growth,
notably in Asia.

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

ACTARA(R) delivered strong growth in all regions, notably in Latin America.
This was offset by lower sales of KARATE(R) in the USA in comparison with the
previous year which benefited from an exceptional outbreak of soybean aphids.
Sales of FORCE(R) grew strongly in Eastern Europe and gained share in the USA.
PROCLAIM(R) benefited from strong demand on vegetables.


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

All three businesses - Seed Care, Lawn & Garden, Home Care - achieved double
digit growth. In Seed Care, CRUISER(R) grew strongly in all regions with new
launches and increased market share; AVICTA(R) was successfully launched on
cotton in the USA and is expanding into the vegetables market. In Lawn & Garden
the acquisition of Fafard strengthened the company's presence in ornamentals and
augmented solid underlying growth.
Full Year Growth 4th Quarter Growth
Regional 2006 2005 Actual CER 2006 2005 Actual CER
$m $m % % $m $m % %
Europe, Africa & Middle East 2242 2283 - 2 - 408 360 +14 +8
NAFTA 2119 2081 +2 +1 237 182 +30 +30
Latin America 1036 1027 +1 +1 401 422 - 5 - 5
Asia Pacific 981 939 +4 +5 212 211 +1 -1
Total 6378 6330 +1 +1 1258 1175 +7 +5

Sales in Europe, Africa and the Middle East were unchanged. Growth in Eastern
Europe, Africa and the Middle East offset lower sales in Western Europe due to
the prolonged winter and ongoing structural reform. Syngenta gained share in
several key European markets including Germany, Italy and the UK. A good
performance in Selective Herbicides, helped by the launch of AXIAL(R), and in
professional products more than offset a decline in fungicide sales.

Sales in NAFTA were slightly higher despite a challenging season in the USA due
to a weaker farm economy, lower corn acreage and drought in the south. As a
result, sales of selective herbicides and fungicides were lower; insecticides
were also lower following exceptionally high 2005 growth. Non-selective
herbicides, notably TOUCHDOWN(R), capitalized on the further penetration of
biotechnology and delivered good growth. New products performed well including
CALLISTO(R), ACTARA(R) and the launch of AXIAL(R) in cereals. Professional
Products performed strongly notably Seed Treatment led by CRUISER(R) and the
launch of AVICTA(R); growth in Ornamentals was augmented by the acquisition of
Fafard in Lawn & Garden.

Sales in Latin America were slightly ahead despite difficult market conditions
in Brazil. The breadth of the product portfolio and effective risk management
led to further market share gains. ACTARA(R) / CRUISER(R) delivered a
particularly strong performance. Sales were higher in Argentina notably
herbicides and insecticides.

Sales growth in Asia Pacific was broad-based and double digit growth was
achieved in a number of markets including China, India, Vietnam, Thailand and
Indonesia. GRAMOXONE(R), SCORE(R), PROCLAIM(R) and CRUISER(R) all delivered
particularly strong performances.


Seeds

For a definition of constant exchange rates, see Appendix A.
Full Year Growth 4th Quarter Growth
Product line 2006 2005 Actual CER 2006 2005 Actual CER
$m $m % % $m $m % %
Corn & Soybean 785 880 -11 -10 40 26 +50 +48
Diverse Field Crops 309 301 +3 +7 31 26 +20 +14
Vegetables & Flowers 649 616 +5 +6 130 108 +20 +17
Total 1743 1797 - 3 - 2 201 160 +25 +21

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

Corn & Soybean sales were affected by first quarter production-related issues in
corn and by end of season channel adjustments in soybean. Diverse Field Crops
performed well with strong growth in sunflower in Eastern Europe, and oilseed
rape in Germany and the UK driven by demand for biodiesel. Sugar beet sales
were lower in Western Europe due to reform of sugar subsidies; this was largely
offset by growth in Eastern Europe, notably Russia.

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

Growth in vegetables accelerated in the second half with a positive contribution
from the acquisition of Emergent Genetics Vegetable in Denmark. Sales in the
emerging markets of Latin America and Asia Pacific continued to expand rapidly.
Sales of branded fresh produce rose by 31 percent with an expansion of the
retail network in the USA and successful initial launches in Europe.

Sales of S&G(R) flowers were unchanged with unfavorable spring weather in Europe
and the impact of drought in Australia.
Full Year Growth 4th Quarter Growth
Regional 2006 2005 Actual CER 2006 2005 Actual CER
$m $m % % $m $m % %
Europe, Africa & Middle East 690 699 - 1 +3 73 61 +22 +14
NAFTA 838 903 - 7 - 7 72 54 +32 +32
Latin America 107 107 - 1 - 1 28 24 +11 +11
Asia Pacific 108 88 +23 +22 28 21 +34 +28
Total 1743 1797 - 3 - 2 201 160 +25 +21

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
2006 were approximately $8.1 billion. Syngenta employs around 19,500 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 Enquiries: Jonathan Seabrook
Switzerland [phone]
USA [phone]
Jennifer Gough
Switzerland [phone]
USA [phone]
Media Enquiries: Medard Schoenmaeckers(Switzerland) [phone]
Sarah Hull (USA) + 1 [phone]
Andrew Coker (UK) [phone]
Share Registry Enquiries Urs-Andreas Meier [phone]



Financial Summary

Excluding Restructuring and As reported under
Restructuring and Impairment (1) IFRS
Impairment (1)
For the year to 31 December 2006 2005 2006 2005 2006 2005
$m $m $m
$m $m $m
Sales 8046 8104 - - 8046 8104

Gross profit 4089 4178 (25) (24) 4064 4154
Marketing and distribution (1470) (1518) - - (1470) (1518)
Research and development (796) (822) - - (796) (822)
General and administrative (668) (742) - - (668) (742)
Restructuring and impairment - - (301) (212) (301) (212)
Operating income 1155 1096 (326) (236) 829 860
Income before taxes 1124 1002 (326) (236) 798 766

Income tax expense (249) (219) 88 79 (161) (140)
Net income 875 783 (238) (157) 637 626

Attributable to minority interests 3 4 - - 3 4

Attributable to Syngenta AG shareholders: 872 779 (238) (157) 634 622

Earnings/(loss) per share(3)

- basic $8.88 $7.78 $(2.42) $(1.56) $6.46 $6.22

- diluted $8.73 $7.67 $(2.38) $(1.54) $6.35 $6.13

2006 2005 2006 CER(2)
Gross profit margin(4) 50.8% 51.6% 50.8%
EBITDA margin(5) 19.1% 19.1% 19.3%
EBITDA(5) 1535 1549
Tax rate(6) 22% 22%
Free cash flow(7) 614 356
Trade working capital to sales(8) 35% 30%
Debt/Equity gearing(9) 20% 16%
Net debt(9) 1153 860

(1) For further analysis of restructuring and impairment charges, see Note 4
on page 20. Net income and earnings per share excluding restructuring and
impairment are provided as additional information, and not as an alternative to
net income and earnings per share determined in accordance with IFRS.

(2) For a description of CER see Appendix A on page 25.

(3) The weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue used to
calculate the earnings per share were as follows: for 2006 basic EPS 98,165,298
and diluted EPS 99,876,180; 2005 basic EPS 100,017,271 and diluted EPS
101,464,222.

(4) Gross profit margin is calculated excluding restructuring and
impairment.

(5) EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure but is in regular use as a measure of
operating performance and is defined in Appendix C on page 26.

(6) Tax rate on results excluding restructuring and impairment.

(7) Includes restructuring and impairment cash outflows. For a description
of free cash flow, see Appendix B on page 25.

(8) Period end trade working capital as a percentage of twelve-month sales,
see Appendix F on page 27.

(9) For a description of net debt and the calculation of debt/equity
gearing, see Appendix E on page 27.


Full Year Segmental Results(1)
Syngenta Full Year 2006 Full Year 2005 CER(2)

$m $m %
Third Party Sales 8046 8104 -

Gross Profit(3) 4089 4178 - 1
Marketing and distribution (1470) (1518) + 3
Research and development (796) (822) + 3
General and administrative (668) (742) + 11
Operating income 1155 1096 + 8
EBITDA(4) 1535 1549 + 1
EBITDA (%) 19.1 19.1

Crop Protection Full Year 2006 Full Year 2005 CER(2)

$m $m %
Total Sales 6378 6330 + 1

Inter-segment elimination(5) (77) (23) n/a
Third Party Sales 6301 6307 + 1
Gross Profit 3260 3297 - 1
Marketing and distribution (1037) (1106) + 6
Research and development (490) (509) + 3
General and administrative (549) (557) + 3
Operating income 1184 1125 + 7
EBITDA(4) 1509 1513 + 1
EBITDA (%) 23.7 23.9

Seeds Full Year 2006 Full Year 2005 CER(2)

$m $m %
Third Party Sales 1743 1797 - 2

Gross Profit 866 881 -
Marketing and distribution (429) (408) - 5
Research and development (232) (213) - 8
General and administrative (106) (169) + 35
Operating income 99 91 + 26

EBITDA(4) 158 148 + 17
EBITDA (%) 9.1 8.2

Plant Science Full Year 2006 Full Year 2005 CER(2)

$m $m %
Third Party Sales 2 0 n/a

Gross Profit 0 0 n/a
Marketing and distribution (4) (4) - 7
Research and development (74) (100) + 25
General and administrative (13) (16) + 19
Operating loss (91) (120) + 23
EBITDA(4) (95) (112) + 15
EBITDA (%) n/a n/a

(1) Excluding restructuring and impairment see Note 4 on page 20.

(2) Growth at constant exchange rates, see Appendix A on page 25.

(3) For details of the inter-segment elimination within gross profit, see
Appendix H on page 28.

(4) For a reconciliation of segment EBITDA to segment operating income, see
Appendix D on page 26.

(5) Crop Protection inter-segment sales to Seeds.

Unaudited Second Half Segmental Results(1)


Syngenta 2nd Half 2006 2nd Half 2005 CER(2)

$m $m %
Third Party Sales 2845 2718 + 3

Gross Profit(3) 1283 1307 - 2
Marketing and distribution (743) (791) + 8
Research and development (409) (416) + 5
General and administrative (333) (336) + 1
Operating loss (202) (236) + 25
EBITDA (8) (15) n/a
EBITDA (%) -0.3 -0.6

Crop Protection 2nd Half 2006 2nd Half 2005 CER(2)

$m $m %
Total Sales 2462 2343 + 3

Inter-segment elimination(4) (41) (13) n/a
Third Party Sales 2421 2330 + 2
Gross Profit 1104 1106 -
Marketing and distribution (536) (592) + 11
Research and development (253) (259) + 7
General and administrative (289) (252) - 16
Operating income 26 3 n/a
EBITDA 189 195 + 5
EBITDA (%) 7.7 8.3

Seeds 2nd Half 2006 2nd Half 2005 CER(2)

$m $m %
Third Party Sales 423 388 + 6

Gross Profit 212 201 + 1
Marketing and distribution (205) (197) - 1
Research and development (119) (109) - 6
General and administrative (37) (74) + 53
Operating loss (149) (179) + 19
EBITDA (117) (152) + 25
EBITDA (%) -27.8 -39.4

Plant Science 2nd Half 2006 2nd Half 2005 CER(2)

$m $m %
Third Party Sales 1 0 n/a

Gross Profit (1) 0 n/a
Marketing and distribution (2) (2) -
Research and development (37) (48) + 23
General and administrative (7) (10) + 26
Operating loss (47) (60) + 22
EBITDA (48) (58) + 18
EBITDA (%) n/a n/a

(1) Excluding restructuring and impairment see Note 4 on page 20.

(2) Growth at constant exchange rates, see Appendix A on page 25.

(3) For details of the inter-segment elimination within gross profit, see
Appendix H on page 28.

(4) Crop Protection inter-segment sales to Seeds.

Unaudited Full Year Product Line and Regional Sales

Syngenta Full Year 2006 Full Year 2005 Actual CER(1)

$m $m % %
Crop Protection 6378 6330 + 1 + 1
Seeds 1743 1797 - 3 - 2
Plant Science 2 - - -
Inter-segment elimination(2) (77) (23) - -
Third Party Sales 8046 8104 - 1 -

Crop Protection
Product line
Selective herbicides 1813 1889 - 4 - 3
Non-selective herbicides 725 688 + 5 + 5
Fungicides 1716 1779 - 3 - 2
Insecticides 1093 1100 - 1 -
Professional products 958 807 + 18 + 18
Others 73 67 + 8 + 8
Total 6378 6330 + 1 + 1
Regional
Europe, Africa and Middle East 2242 2283 - 2 -
NAFTA 2119 2081 + 2 + 1
Latin America 1036 1027 + 1 + 1
Asia Pacific 981 939 + 4 + 5
Total 6378 6330 + 1 + 1

Seeds
Product line
Corn & Soybean 785 880 - 11 - 10
Diverse Field Crops 309 301 + 3 + 7
Vegetables and Flowers 649 616 + 5 + 6
Total 1743 1797 - 3 - 2
Regional
Europe, Africa and Middle East 690 699 - 1 + 3
NAFTA 838 903 - 7 - 7
Latin America 107 107 - 1 - 1
Asia Pacific 108 88 + 23 + 22
Total 1743 1797 - 3 - 2



(1) Growth at constant exchange rates, see Appendix A on page 25.

(2) Crop Protection inter-segment sales to Seeds.

Unaudited Second Half Product Line and Regional Sales

Syngenta 2nd Half 2006 2nd Half 2005 Actual CER(1)

$m $m % %
Crop Protection 2462 2343 + 5 + 3
Seeds 423 388 + 9 + 6
Plant Science 1 - - -
Inter-segment elimination(2) (41) (13) - -
Third Party Sales 2845 2718 + 5 + 3

Crop Protection
Product line
Selective herbicides 500 538 - 7 - 9
Non-selective herbicides 303 297 + 2 -
Fungicides 651 578 + 13 + 10
Insecticides 491 499 - 2 - 2
Professional products 468 388 + 21 + 19
Others 49 43 + 14 + 12
Total 2462 2343 + 5 + 3
Regional
Europe, Africa and Middle East 790 714 + 11 + 6
NAFTA 540 500 + 8 + 8
Latin America 709 719 - 1 - 1
Asia Pacific 423 410 + 3 + 2
Total 2462 2343 + 5 + 3

Seeds
Product line
Corn & Soybean 77 89 - 14 - 15
Diverse Field Crops 67 59 + 15 + 10
Vegetables and Flowers 279 240 + 16 + 13
Total 423 388 + 9 + 6
Regional
Europe, Africa and Middle East 173 159 + 10 + 4
NAFTA 122 111 + 10 + 10
Latin America 72 74 - 4 - 4
Asia Pacific 56 44 + 26 + 22
Total 423 388 + 9 + 6



(1) Growth at constant exchange rates, see Appendix A on page25.

(2) Crop Protection inter-segment sales to Seeds.

Unaudited Fourth Quarter Product Line and Regional Sales

Syngenta 4th Quarter 2006 4th Quarter 2005 Actual CER(1)

$m $m % %
Crop Protection 1258 1175 + 7 + 5
Seeds 201 160 + 25 + 21
Plant Science 1 0 - -
Inter-segment elimination(2) (25) (7) - -
Total 1435 1328 + 8 + 6

Crop Protection
Product line
Selective herbicides 245 249 - 2 - 4
Non-selective herbicides 124 123 + 1 - 1
Fungicides 370 356 + 4 + 1
Insecticides 239 224 + 7 + 5
Professional products 249 170 + 46 + 44
Others 31 53 - 40 - 42
Total 1258 1175 + 7 + 5
Regional
Europe, Africa and Middle East 408 360 + 14 + 8
NAFTA 237 182 + 30 + 30
Latin America 401 422 - 5 - 5
Asia Pacific 212 211 + 1 - 1
Total 1258 1175 + 7 + 5

Seeds
Product line
Corn & Soybean 40 26 + 50 + 48
Diverse Field Crops 31 26 + 20 + 14
Vegetables and Flowers 130 108 + 20 + 17
Total 201 160 + 25 + 21
Regional
Europe, Africa and Middle East 73 61 + 22 + 14
NAFTA 72 54 + 32 + 32
Latin America 28 24 + 11 + 11
Asia Pacific 28 21 + 34 + 28
Total 201 160 + 25 + 21



(1) Growth at constant exchange rates, see Appendix A on page 25.

(2) Crop Protection inter-segment sales to Seeds.

Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements


The following condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto have
been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards
(IFRS) as per Note 1. A reconciliation to US GAAP has been prepared for US
investors.

Condensed Consolidated Income Statement

For the year to 31 December 2006 2005

$m $m
Sales 8046 8104

Cost of goods sold (3982) (3950)
Gross profit 4064 4154
Marketing and distribution (1470) (1518)
Research and development (796) (822)
General and administrative (668) (742)
Restructuring and impairment (301) (212)
Operating income 829 860
Income/(loss) from associates and joint ventures (11) 2
Financial expenses, net (20) (96)
Income before taxes 798 766
Income tax credit/(expense) (161) (140)
Net income/(loss) 637 626
Attributable to:
- Minority interests 3 4
- Syngenta AG shareholders 634 622
Earnings/(loss) per share(1)
- Basic $6.46 $6.22

- Diluted $6.35 $6.13

(1) The weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue used to
calculate the earnings per share were as follows: for 2006 basic EPS 98,165,298
and diluted EPS 99,876,180; 2005 basic EPS 100,017,271 and diluted EPS
101,464,222.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet

31 December 2006 31 December 2005
(reclassified)
$m $m
Assets
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents 445 458
Trade accounts receivable 2002 1865
Other accounts receivable 365 364
Other current assets 272 306
Marketable securities 81 4
Inventories 2381 2215
Total current assets 5546 5212
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment 1957 1887
Intangible assets 2724 2732
Investments in associates and joint ventures 89 93
Deferred tax assets 599 763
Other financial assets 901 715
Total non-current assets 6270 6190
Assets held for sale 36 2
Total assets 11852 11404
Liabilities and equity
Current liabilities
Trade accounts payable (1568) (1619)
Current financial debts (143) (514)
Income taxes payable (296) (323)
Other current liabilities (679) (810)
Provisions (282) (199)
Total current liabilities (2968) (3465)
Non-current liabilities
Non-current financial debts (1569) (847)
Deferred tax liabilities (728) (834)
Provisions (893) (827)
Total non-current liabilities (3190) (2508)
Total liabilities (6158) (5973)
Shareholders' equity (5666) (5403)
Minority interests (28) (28)
Total equity (5694) (5431)

Total liabilities and equity (11852) (11404)





Condensed Consolidated Cash Flow Statement

For the year to 31 December 2006 2005

$m $m
Income before taxes 798 766
Reversal of non-cash items;
Depreciation, amortization and impairment on:
Property, plant and equipment 251 272
Intangible assets 212 201
Financial assets - 19
Loss/(gain) on disposal of fixed assets (31) (15)
Charges in respect of share based compensation 42 37
Charges in respect of provisions 354 297
Net financial expenses 20 96
Share of net loss from associates 11 (2)
Cash (paid)/received in respect of;
Interest and other financial receipts 214 131
Interest and other financial payments (242) (256)
Taxation (167) (133)
Restructuring costs (173) (150)
Contributions to pension schemes (150) (487)
Other provisions (75) (69)
Cash flow before working capital changes 1064 707
Change in net current assets and other operating cash flows (136) (210)
Cash flow from operating activities 928 497
Additions to property, plant and equipment (217) (174)
Proceeds from disposals of property, plant and equipment 62 33
Purchase of intangibles and other financial assets (78) (39)
Proceeds from disposals of intangible and financial assets 62 45
Purchase of marketable securities (102) (3)
Proceeds from disposal of marketable securities 5 -
Acquisition and Divestments (143) (6)
Cash flow used for investing activities (411) (144)
Increases in third party interest-bearing debt 656 1195
Repayment of third party interest-bearing debt (376) (878)
(Purchase)/sale of treasury shares and options over own shares (557) (183)
Dividends paid to group shareholders (260) (207)
Dividends paid to minorities (4) (1)
Cash flow from/(used) for financing activities (541) (74)
Net effect of currency translation on cash and cash equivalents 11 (48)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents (13) 231
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period 458 227
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period 445 458





Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders' Equity

Shareholders'
equity
$m
31 December 2004 5658
Net income attributable to Syngenta AG shareholders 622
Unrealized holding gains/(losses) on available for sale financial assets (10)
Unrealized gains/(losses) on derivatives designated as cash flow and net investment hedges (35)
Income tax current & deferred (charged)/credited to equity 38
Dividends payable to group shareholders (207)
Issue of shares under employee purchase plans 63
Share based compensation 37
Share repurchase scheme (251)
Cash impact of share options under share repurchase scheme 5
Reclassification of negative minority shareholder equity (6)
Foreign currency translation effects (511)
31 December 2005 5403
Net income attributable to Syngenta AG shareholders 634
Unrealized holding gains/(losses) on available for sale financial assets 39
Unrealized gains/(losses) on derivatives designated as cash flow and net investment hedges (88)
Income tax current & deferred (charged)/credited to equity 52
Dividends payable to group shareholders (260)
Issue of shares under employee purchase plans 77
Share based compensation 42
Share repurchase scheme (629)
Cash impact of share options under share repurchase scheme (5)
Reclassification of negative minority shareholder equity -
Foreign currency translation effects 401
31 December 2006 5666




Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 1: Basis of Preparation

Nature of operations: Syngenta AG ('Syngenta') is a world leading crop
protection and seeds business that is engaged in the discovery, development,
manufacture and marketing of a range of agricultural products designed to
improve crop yields and food quality.

Basis of presentation and accounting policies: The condensed consolidated
financial statements and notes thereto have been extracted from the consolidated
financial statements. The consolidated financial statements for the year ended
31 December 2006 have been prepared in accordance with International Financial
Reporting Standards (IFRS), which comprise standards and interpretations
approved by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), and
International Accounting Standards and Standing Interpretations Committee
interpretations approved by the International Accounting Standards Committee
(IASC) that remain in effect. The condensed consolidated financial statements
have been prepared in accordance with our policies as set out in the 2005
Financial Report, except as noted below. These principles differ in certain
significant respects from generally accepted accounting principles in the United
States ('US GAAP'). Application of US GAAP would have affected shareholders' net
income and equity for the year ended 31 December 2005 and 2006 as detailed in
Note 6.

The condensed consolidated financial statements are presented in United States
dollars ('$') as this is the major trading currency of the company.

The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates
and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimated.

Note 2: Changes in Accounting Policies - IFRS

Except for the following, no changes to accounting standards had an effect on
the 2006 consolidated financial statements, which have otherwise been prepared
in accordance with the same accounting policies as in 2005, consistently
applied.

- IFRIC 4, 'Determining whether an Arrangement contains a lease'. With
effect from 1 January 2006, certain contracts for the supply of goods or
services to Syngenta which depend upon the use of a specific asset of the
supplier are accounted for partly as a lease of that asset and partly as a
supply contract. Under Syngenta's previous policy, these contracts would have
been accounted for purely as supply contracts, with all contractual payments
charged to Cost of Goods sold in the income statement as the related inventories
were sold. Under the new policy, if the lease embedded in the contract is
classified as a finance lease, Syngenta capitalizes the supplier's asset as
Property, plant and equipment in its own co

[grupo guitarlumber] 02/2/2007 07:12

Syngenta Ag Syngenta divests part of site


RNS Number:6093Q
Syngenta AG
02 February 2007


Media Release


Syngenta divests non-core part of its Basel site



Basel, Switzerland, 2 February, 2007

Syngenta announced today that it has signed an agreement to divest major parts
of its Rosental site in Basel to Midus Properties and Premier Properties, two
Gibraltar-based real estate companies backed by a group of private investors.
The site is jointly held with Ciba Specialty Chemicals, who is also divesting
its share to the same acquirer. The Syngenta proceeds from this transaction are
approximately CHF 175 million.



Since the creation of Syngenta, a substantial part of the site has been let to
third party tenants. Today, the site hosts more than 30 companies and academic
institutions mainly active in the life sciences industry. The Company will
retain approximately one-third of the site for Syngenta's global headquarters as
well as the headquarters of its European Crop Protection business.



Christoph Mader, Syngenta Executive Committee member, said: "The Rosental site
is an attractive environment for companies and academic research institutes in
the life sciences field. We decided jointly with Ciba to divest major parts of
the site to a new owner for further development. Managing real estate is not
Syngenta's core business."



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: Medard Schoenmaeckers [phone]


Analysts/Investors: Jonathan Seabrook [phone]
Jennifer Gough [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

NRATTMFTMMMMMMR

[grupo guitarlumber] 31/1/2007 20:25

Syngenta seeks to reverse expropriation of Brazilian research farm

The Associated Press
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
SAO PAULO, Brazil
The Brazilian subsidiary of Swiss agricultural chemicals and seeds company Syngenta AG asked a court Tuesday to halt the expropriation of its farm near the Iguacu waterfalls straddling the border of Brazil and Argentina.

The 123-hectare (304-acre) property was confiscated last November by the state government of Parana after officials claimed that Syngenta's research on the farm into genetically modified corn was illegal.

The state government wants to transform the property into an educational center for environment-friendly agriculture, Syngenta said in a statement.

Syngenta asked a state court in Parana for an injunction to stop the expropriation, saying it wants to continue research at the site and contending that there are better locations for the educational center.

About 300 poor farm laborers opposed to biotech crops developed by Syngenta invaded the farm last year and camped there to publicize their claims that Syngenta was conducting illegal research into genetically modified soy and corn crops.

Syngenta is one of Brazil's top agrochemical retailers, and a leading researcher into genetically modified crops.

[waldron] 25/1/2007 12:11

Syngenta Ag corn rootworm insect trait


RNS Number:1395Q
Syngenta AG
25 January 2007


Media Release


Syngenta corn rootworm insect trait stack approved by US EPA


Basel, Switzerland, January 25, 2007

Syngenta announced today that the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has
approved the stacked combination of its new corn rootworm trait with its
European corn borer trait. This approval also enables Syngenta to launch its
triple stacked corn that includes glyphosate tolerance. The double stack,
Agrisure(TM) CB/RW, will be available in limited quantities for the 2007 growing
season and the triple stack, Agrisure GT/CB/RW will be available for 2008.

"The approval of the stacked insect traits marks another milestone in our
strategy to offer a highly competitive portfolio of proprietary biotech products
to growers in the world's largest corn market," says Mike Mack, Chief Operating
Officer of Syngenta Seeds. "As we scale up hybrid production over the next two
seasons, this will enable Syngenta to drive growth and market share into the
next decade."

This registration follows the first EPA approval for the corn rootworm resistant
trait in October 2006. The stacks will be available to US growers in various
combinations through elite hybrids from Garst(R), Golden Harvest(R) and NK(R) in
addition to single trait offerings. Syngenta also plans to offer the single and
stacked traits for use in other leading seed brands through its GreenLeaf
Genetics joint venture. USDA authorization to ship the double stack trait is
expected for the 2007 growing season.

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.


Media Enquiries: Medard Schoenmaeckers (Switzerland) [phone]
Sarah Hull (US) [phone]
Andrew Coker (UK) + 44 1344 414 503

Analysts/Investors: Jonathan Seabrook [phone]
[phone]
Jennifer Gough [phone]
[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

REAGGGZMZKGGNZM

[waldron] 12/1/2007 12:33

Syngenta "overweight," target price raised

Friday, January 12, 2007 3:59:37 AM ET
J.P. Morgan Securities

LONDON, January 12 (newratings.com) - Analyst Neil C Tyler of JP Morgan maintains his "overweight" rating on Syngenta (SVJ.ETR), while revising his estimates for the company. The target price has been raised to SFr250.

In a research note published this morning, the analyst mentions that given the 40% rise in US corn prices in the past three months, a switch over to corn for the 2007 planting season would benefit Syngenta's portfolio. Strong volume growth is expected to lead to an increased possibility of the company making substantial cash distributions going forward, JP Morgan adds. The EPS estimates for 2006 and 2008 have been reduced from SFr11.27 to SFr10.66 and from SFr13.23 to SFr13.19, respectively. The EPS estimate for 2007 has been raised from SFr11.95 to SFr12.35.

[waldron] 08/1/2007 20:19

Syngenta, Diversa to develop enzymes


SAN DIEGO (AFX) - Agrochemical company Syngenta and Diversa Corp., a
specialty enzyme developer, on Monday announced a 10-year research and
development partnership to make enzymes for the biofuel industry.
The companies will develop a range of enzymes to convert treated cellulosic
biomass to mixed sugars -- a process used to produce biofuel. The agreement
allows Diversa to develop fermentation-based enzyme combinations. Syngenta will
then have exclusive access to the enzymes to use in plants.
Syngenta will pay Diversa $16 million in guaranteed research funding during
the first two years. Diversa will receive milestone and royalty payments tied to
the product's success.
No other financial terms were disclosed.
Syngenta shares rose 22 cents to $36.92 in afternoon trading on the New York
Stock Exchange. Diversa shares sank 18 cents to $10.32 on the Nasdaq Stock
Market.

[waldron] 08/1/2007 17:13

BASEL (AFX) - Syngenta AG and Diversa Corp said they have signed a 10-year partnership to discover and develop enzymes to turn pre-treated cellulosic biomass into mixed sugars, which can then be fermented into biofuels.

Under the deal, San Diego-based Diversa will develop and market fermentation-based enzyme combinations from its proprietary platform, and Syngenta will have exclusive access to the enzymes to express in plants for enhanced cost-effective production.

Syngenta will pay Diversa 16 mln usd in research funding in the first two years. Diversa is eligible to receive certain milestone and royalty payments aligned to product development success.

The agreement replaces an old one.

[e-mail] jsa

[waldron] 18/12/2006 09:21

Syngenta Ag Date AGM 2007


RNS Number:0817O
Syngenta AG
18 December 2006

Syngenta International AG

P.O.Box
CH-4002 Basel
Switzerland
Tel.: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.syngenta.com




Notification





The next Ordinary General Meeting of Syngenta AG will take place on:

Date: Wednesday, May 2, 2007

Location: Congress Center Basel, Messeplatz 21, 4058 Basel

Beginning: 10.30 a.m. CET





Syngenta AG
Basel, Switzerland December 18, 2006






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

NOAIIFIAFFLTLIR

[waldron] 08/12/2006 17:13

Brazilian Governor Moves to Expropriate Land From Agribusiness Multinational Syngenta
by Isabella Kenfield
December 08, 2006

Printer Friendly Version
EMail Article to a Friend

Curitiba, Brazil - On November 9th Roberto Requião, Governor of the state of Paraná, dealt a blow to agribusiness when he signed a decree to expropriate the experimental test site owned by the Swiss multinational corporation Syngenta, located in Santa Tereza do Oeste. The decree was made in the public interest because Syngenta illegally planted 12 hectares of genetically-modified (GM) soybeans at the site. The decree is unprecedented in Brazil and Latin America (indeed, the world), as never before has any state or the federal government moved to expropriate land from an agribusiness multinational corporation. The action is representative of the growing sentiment among Latin American politicians to resist the increasing power of agribusiness corporations, and is evidence of the increasing organization and power of civil society in the region.




Requião's decision to expropriate the 127-hectare site is undoubtedly the result of pressure from civil society. The decree to expropriate the site came after an eight-month, non-violent occupation of the site by members of the rural social movements the Via Campesina and the Movement of the Landless Rural Workers (MST), which occupied the site on March 14th after the Brazilian Institute for the Environment and Natural Resources (IBAMA), the federal environmental agency, confirmed that Syngenta had illegally planted GM soybeans there.



While GM soy is legal in Brazil, Syngenta's planting was illegal because the experimental site is located within the protective boundary zone of the Iguaçu National Park, which was declared the Patrimony of Humanity by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in 1986.



The occupation stopped all of Syngenta's activities at the site, and according to statements made by Syngenta to the press, cost the corporation more than US $50 million. The occupation also pressured IBAMA to fine the corporation US $465,000 - a fine Syngenta still has not paid. Throughout the occupation and since Requião's decree, Syngenta has denied any criminal activity.



"This is really a historic moment in the global struggle against transgenics, and it is proof that the social movements can control the actions of transnationals," says Maria Rita Reis, an attorney for Terra de Direitos, a human rights organization in Curitiba representing the legal proceedings against Syngenta.



According to Roberto Baggio, state leader of the Via Campesina and the MST, "The conquest of Syngenta was only possible through a large alliance of the rural social movements...in alliance with a firm and courageous position of Governor Requião, in the defense of a diversified, national agriculture that preserves biodiversity. This action is a referential international mark in the struggle against the powerful interests of the agribusiness transnationals that want to dominate global agriculture and impose their project, but here in Paraná there are strong signals of popular resistance, which should stimulate militancy to combat the transnationals all over the planet."



The legal argument for the government's decree to expropriate the site from Syngenta for the public interest is based in the Brazilian constitution. According to the statement released by the state press agency, Governor Requião, who has a history of anti-GM politics, is drawing upon Brazilian states' sovereignty to "protect notable natural areas and the environment, to combat pollution of whatever form, and to preserve the forests, fauna and flora," emphasizing "the fragility of the biggest and most important remnant of the semideciduous forest of the country, situated in the Iguaçu National Park."



Additionally, Article 186 in the Brazilian constitution stipulates that private property, including land, must serve a social function. Since the early 1980s, the MST has used Article 186 to justify non-violent occupations of unproductive land owned by large landowners, in order to pressure the government to expropriate the land for the purpose of agrarian reform. More recently, with their growing economic power, control of natural resources and criminal acts in the country, multinational agribusiness corporations are becoming the targets of these occupations. Terra de Direitos argues that the land at Syngenta's experimental site was not serving its social function, and that by illegally planting GM soybeans there Syngenta committed a human rights violation by endanging Brazil's biodiversity and biosecurity, as all Brazilians depend on the country's natural resources.



According to João Pedro Stedile, of the national coordination of the MST, "Governor Requião had a courageous attitude to fulfill the constitution of the state to protect natural resources, and at the same time the law of biosecurity which states that no one can make experiments with transgenics within national parks. Thus he penalized Syngenta. I hope that other state governors and the federal government will follow in [Requião's] example, and help us to defend Brazilian biodiversity, and the struggle for food sovereignty, and against the transnationals that want to control the food and biodiversity throughout the world."



Yet just because Requião has signed the decree does not mean the process of expropriation will be simple. There is little doubt Syngenta will appeal the decision in federal courts. This will complicate the effort to expropriate the site because the administration of President Luis Inacio 'Lula' da Silva is more disposed to yield to the interests of agribusiness. Brazil is currently experiencing an economic boom from agricultural production, especially from the production of GM soy. The planting of GM soy was legalized in 2003 under the Lula administration, and the country is now the second largest producer and exporter of soybeans in the world, second only to the U.S. Syngenta, which realized profits of over US $8.1 billion in 2005, wields considerable economic and political power in Brazil, and has a strong interest in maintaining its business in the country.



Syngenta has not publicly responded to Requião's decree, and refuses to answer press inquiries into the case. Yet it is clear that its strategy to fight the decision has been to use its political and economic power to change Brazilian law in order to complicate the effort to find it guilty of criminal behavior. On October 31st, President Lula signed a measure that reduced the distance of the protective boundary zone for national parks from 10 kilometers to just 500 meters, a move which was almost certainly the result of pressure from Syngenta. This maneuver complicates the effort to find that Syngenta illegally planted GM soy within the protective boundary zone, as it planted the soy six kilometers from the park. Thus, on November 31st the Federal Public Minister of Paraná ruled that Syngenta is in accord with all of the regulatory and legal requirements in regard to the experimental site. The Minister decided to annul a public inquiry into the illegal activities of Syngenta filed by Terra de Direitos in October.



Yet despite the political and juridical opposition he faces in Brazil over the decision, Requião's effort to expropriate the site will be bolstered by other regional forces that are working to his advantage, most importantly the leftist wave currently sweeping Latin America. Leaders such as Venezuela's Hugo Chávez and Bolivia's Evo Morales will undoubtedly provide Requião with regional support. Chávez himself has ties to the MST and the Via Campesina, and is an outspoken critic of GM technology, Bolivia recently began to implement a progressive agrarian reform program that will benefit small farmers and landless workers.



Requião's move to expropriate the site from Syngenta will, at the very least, send a message to agribusiness multinationals that they can no longer illegally exploit Brazil's natural resources as they wish, and commit crimes with impunity. It will also no doubt bolster the strength and confidence of the social movements. According to state Via Campesina and MST leader Celso Ribeiro, "for the coordination of the Via Campesina this signifies a huge victory and a grand conquest. Syngenta is the 2nd largest producer of seeds in the world, producing both transgenic corn and soy. Now the site will be used as a center for us to create native and creole seed varieties."

[grupo guitarlumber] 08/12/2006 06:13

Monsanto makes moves in seed wars


ST. LOUIS (AFX) - Winter months are quiet on the farm, but it's crunch
time for seed companies Monsanto Co. and Pioneer Hi-Bred International Inc.
While farmers place their orders for next year's crop, the companies are
fighting for market share in the multibillion-dollar market for genetically
engineered seeds.
Pioneer is developing new strains of biotech seeds, while Monsanto has been
aggressively buying up small seed-dealing companies to get better access to
farmers.
The result seems to be a tight competition this year, with Monsanto
possessing an edge, according to a recent report from analyst Kevin McCarthy
with Bank of America in New York.
Monsanto has vastly improved its network of seed dealers and taken market
share away from Pioneer in the crucial market for U.S. corn seed, McCarthy said.
"We think Monsanto will continue to gain market share in the U.S. corn
market, as it has done for at least five years running," McCarthy said.
But Pioneer "poses a long-term threat to Monsanto because it is seeking to
develop independent technology," he said.
Spokespeople for Monsanto and Pioneer pointed out the overall share of
cropland being planted with biotech seed is rising, so both companies stand to
profit. Total plantings of biotech corn jumped from 42.5 million acres in 2005
to 48.4 million this year, according to the Biotechnology Industry Organization.
Pioneer President Dean Oestreich said Monsanto's recent gains won't offset
Pioneer's long-term plans.
"Monsanto has been on a buying spree," Oestreich said. "The way we've
competed --and the way we compete today and will in the future -- is that we're
investing our dollars in research."
For years, Pioneer and Monsanto had a symbiotic relationship when it came to
selling biotech seeds.
In the 1980s, Monsanto first developed genetically modified organisms -- or
GMOs -- and sold them through old-school crop companies like Pioneer. Monsanto
charged Pioneer a licensing fee to sell the crops and gained access to Pioneer's
broad-based sales network.
But Des Moines, Iowa-based Pioneer changed the arrangement in 2003, when it
released a strain of genetically engineered corn it made on its own. President
Dean Oestreich said the company could make higher profits by selling its own
biotech seeds and narrowing Monsanto's access to Pioneer's broad sales force.
Monsanto has been doling out cash over the last few years to blunt Pioneer's
challenge. In 2004, Monsanto formed a holding company called American Seeds Inc.
with the goal of buying up regional seed dealers.
On Monday, ASI announced the purchase of Landec Corp.'s direct seed
marketing and sales company for $50 million. The purchase includes a customer
call center and two seed brands, Fielder's Choice Direct and Heartland Hybrids.
The purchase brought Monsanto neck and neck with Pioneer for the first time
in the corn seed business, McCarthy said.
Just five years ago, Pioneer controlled about 40 percent of the market share
in corn while Monsanto had about 10 percent with its Dekalb and Asgrow brands,
McCarthy said.
After the Landec acquisition, Monsanto pulled to 29 percent of market share
while Pioneer slipped to 30 percent, McCarthy said. Monsanto could match or
surpass Pioneer's clout within a year or so, he said.
One of Pioneer's biggest challenges to Monsanto over the next three years
will come in the form of new soybeans that are engineered to resist herbicides,
McCarthy said.
Monsanto plans to release its own brand of "Roundup Ready"
pesticide-resistant corn and soybean seeds by 2009. Monsanto's first crops were
engineered for the same trait.
Monsanto spokeswoman Lori Fisher said the company is gaining sales by
selling "triple stack" seeds that have more than one genetically engineered
trait -- such as herbicide and pest resistance.
Fisher said the overall market will increase, helping both companies.
"We believe there is plenty of room for alternative trait technologies in
the market," she said in an e-mail.

[ariane] 21/11/2006 06:38

Syngenta Rides the Ethanol Tide
Posted on Nov 20th, 2006 with stocks: MON, SYT

Abbi Adest submits: Excerpt from our Wall Street Breakfast, a one-page summary of this morning's key market-moving and stock-moving stories:

HEARD ON THE STREET: New Seeds May Sow Stock Gains for Syngenta [Wall Street Journal]

Summary: Upstart agri-chemical company Syngenta is riding the ethanol tide and looking to take on industry giant Monsanto. Analysts are excited about this Swiss company that specializes in crop production improvement through genetically modified seed development and chemical crop protection businesses. Syngenta is the product of the 2000 Novartis/ AstraZeneca merger. Though ethanol prices have fallen this year due to rising supplies, the gasoline price dip and Brazilian imports of sugar cane-based product, Syngenta is counting on new product launches for 2008, when ethanol prices are still uncertain. Syngenta shares are up 38% for the year; they closed at $34.05, down 1.1% on Friday. The company expects to increase margins for its seeds business to 15% by 2010, from 8.2% in 2005. Syngenta had earnings growth of 27% last year and plans to enlarge its market share in crop protection by .5% a year.
Related links: Read more Long Ideas.
Potentially impacted stocks and ETFs: Syngenta (SYT), Monsanto (MON) • Competitor: BASF (BF), E.I. DuPont de Nemours (DD)