Profitability ratios measure the company ability to generate profitable sales from its resources (assets).

Profitability Ratios (Summary)
Gross Profit Margin
Operating Profit Margin
Net Profit Margin
Return on Equity (ROE)
Return on Assets (ROA)

Monsanto Co., profitability ratios (quarterly data)

	Feb 28, 2018	Nov 30, 2017	Aug 31, 2017	May 31, 2017	Feb 28, 2017	Nov 30, 2016	Aug 31, 2016	May 31, 2016	Feb 29, 2016	Nov 30, 2015	Aug 31, 2015	May 31, 2015	Feb 28, 2015	Nov 30, 2014	Aug 31, 2014	May 31, 2014	Feb 28, 2014	Nov 30, 2013	Aug 31, 2013	May 31, 2013	Feb 28, 2013	Nov 30, 2012	Aug 31, 2012	May 31, 2012	Feb 29, 2012	Nov 30, 2011
Return on Sales
Gross profit margin	54.85%	54.55%	54.21%	53.29%	53.40%	52.93%	51.97%	51.71%	52.84%	53.46%	54.54%	55.11%	53.62%	54.05%	54.08%	53.57%	53.13%	51.90%	51.50%	51.57%	52.36%	52.46%	52.17%	—	—	—
Operating profit margin	22.20%	21.89%	21.94%	20.74%	21.38%	20.77%	17.59%	15.64%	18.09%	19.74%	23.49%	25.70%	23.62%	25.21%	25.70%	25.56%	25.49%	24.07%	24.02%	24.42%	25.22%	24.36%	23.31%	—	—	—
Net profit margin	17.07%	16.38%	15.44%	14.12%	13.28%	11.61%	9.89%	7.76%	10.64%	12.67%	15.43%	17.37%	15.86%	16.78%	17.28%	17.16%	17.49%	16.67%	16.70%	16.95%	17.18%	16.12%	15.14%	—	—	—
Return on Investment
Return on equity (ROE)	32.13%	36.36%	35.10%	31.37%	34.71%	36.76%	29.47%	20.20%	35.07%	51.08%	33.10%	31.82%	30.94%	35.29%	34.79%	18.05%	19.73%	19.97%	19.76%	18.04%	19.11%	18.42%	17.28%	—	—	—
Return on assets (ROA)	10.98%	10.37%	10.59%	9.42%	9.00%	7.72%	6.77%	5.08%	7.50%	8.48%	10.56%	11.92%	10.58%	11.19%	12.47%	11.37%	11.50%	10.43%	12.01%	11.54%	11.46%	10.02%	10.11%	—	—	—

Gross Profit Margin: The gross profit margin demonstrates relative stability over the reported periods, ranging approximately between 51% and 55%. Beginning at around 52% in late 2011, it shows a gradual increase, peaking slightly above 54% towards the end of the data series. Minor fluctuations occur, but the trend suggests consistent ability to maintain a strong gross margin, indicative of effective management of production or acquisition costs relative to revenue.
Operating Profit Margin: The operating profit margin exhibits more variability compared to the gross profit margin. Starting near 23% in late 2011, it rises modestly to peak around 25.7% in the 2014 period. Subsequently, a noticeable decline occurs, dipping to a low near 15.6% by mid-2016. Following this trough, the margin shows a recovery trend, gradually improving back toward approximately 22% by early 2018. This pattern may reflect changing operating efficiencies or expense management challenges during the middle periods, followed by stabilization efforts.
Net Profit Margin: The net profit margin closely follows the operating margin trends but exhibits slightly lower values, as expected due to additional financial and tax impacts. It begins at approximately 15% in late 2011, increases to above 17% by 2014, then declines significantly in the following years to a low near 7.8% in mid-2016. Thereafter, a recovery is evident, with margins rising to above 17% by early 2018. This fluctuation reflects underlying profitability changes influenced by operating results and other income statement components.
Return on Equity (ROE): Return on equity shows pronounced volatility during the timeline. Initially stable around 17-20% until 2013, an anomalous spike peaks near 35% in 2014, followed by a further peak beyond 50% in early 2016. Following this, ROE decreases sharply to around 20% by mid-2016 before rebounding back to the 30-36% range toward early 2018. These fluctuations indicate significant changes in profitability relative to shareholders' equity, possibly due to altered leverage, one-time gains or losses, or other financial structuring factors.
Return on Assets (ROA): Return on assets maintains a relatively narrower range, beginning at roughly 10% in late 2011. While it fluctuates moderately, the trend includes a peak near 12.5% in early 2015, followed by a decline to a low of approximately 5% in mid-2016. Post this low, ROA recovers steadily, reaching near 11% by early 2018. The trajectory of ROA points to changing efficiency in asset utilization impacting the company's net earnings, influenced by operational performance and asset base management.

Return on Sales

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Return on Investment

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Monsanto Co., gross profit margin calculation (quarterly data)

	Feb 28, 2018	Nov 30, 2017	Aug 31, 2017	May 31, 2017	Feb 28, 2017	Nov 30, 2016	Aug 31, 2016	May 31, 2016	Feb 29, 2016	Nov 30, 2015	Aug 31, 2015	May 31, 2015	Feb 28, 2015	Nov 30, 2014	Aug 31, 2014	May 31, 2014	Feb 28, 2014	Nov 30, 2013	Aug 31, 2013	May 31, 2013	Feb 28, 2013	Nov 30, 2012	Aug 31, 2012	May 31, 2012	Feb 29, 2012	Nov 30, 2011
Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions)
Gross profit	2,966)	1,312)	1,340)	2,386)	2,952)	1,259)	1,138)	2,380)	2,598)	901)	996)	2,736)	3,039)	1,411)	1,233)	2,331)	3,447)	1,563)	924)	2,262)	3,070)	1,397)	881)	2,363)	2,705)	1,096)
Net sales	5,019)	2,658)	2,686)	4,230)	5,074)	2,650)	2,562)	4,189)	4,532)	2,219)	2,355)	4,579)	5,197)	2,870)	2,630)	4,250)	5,832)	3,143)	2,202)	4,248)	5,472)	2,939)	2,098)	4,219)	4,748)	2,439)
Profitability Ratio
Gross profit margin¹	54.85%	54.55%	54.21%	53.29%	53.40%	52.93%	51.97%	51.71%	52.84%	53.46%	54.54%	55.11%	53.62%	54.05%	54.08%	53.57%	53.13%	51.90%	51.50%	51.57%	52.36%	52.46%	52.17%	—	—	—
Benchmarks
Gross Profit Margin, Competitors²
lululemon athletica inc.	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Nike Inc.	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—

¹ Q2 2018 Calculation
Gross profit margin = 100 × (Gross profit_{Q2 2018} + Gross profit_{Q1 2018} + Gross profit_{Q4 2017} + Gross profit_{Q3 2017}) ÷ (Net sales_{Q2 2018} + Net sales_{Q1 2018} + Net sales_{Q4 2017} + Net sales_{Q3 2017})
= 100 × (2,966 + 1,312 + 1,340 + 2,386) ÷ (5,019 + 2,658 + 2,686 + 4,230) = 54.85%

² Click competitor name to see calculations.

The financial data demonstrates notable fluctuations and underlying trends in the gross profit, net sales, and gross profit margin over the analyzed periods.

Gross Profit: Gross profit exhibits significant variability quarter-to-quarter, with several peaks and troughs throughout the timeline. Periods such as February 2012, February 2013, and February 2014 register the highest values, reaching above 3,000 million US dollars, indicating strong profitability during these quarters. Conversely, quarters like November 2011, August 2012, and August 2015 show lower gross profit figures, often below 1,000 million US dollars. Despite this volatility, the general level of gross profit appears relatively stable when considering the recurring peaks around the early months of each year, suggesting a seasonal or cyclical pattern in revenue generation and cost management.
Net Sales: Net sales mirror the general trend observed in gross profit, with considerable fluctuations across quarters. The highest net sales values consistently occur in the first quarter of the year, for example, February 2012, 2013, and 2014, exceeding 5,400 million US dollars on several occasions. Lower sales quarters tend to be in mid-year periods such as August 2012, 2013, and 2015, where sales fall below 2,300 million US dollars. Despite fluctuations, net sales maintain a generally upward progression when viewed over the entire period, indicating overall growth in revenue intake. The cyclicality aligns closely with the patterns seen in gross profit, supporting the presence of seasonal effects on sales volumes and revenues.
Gross Profit Margin: The gross profit margin remains relatively stable, fluctuating within a narrow band between approximately 51.5% and 55%, indicating consistent cost of goods sold management relative to sales. Margins show slight improvement in some periods, such as from early 2014 onwards, where the margin subtly increases above 53%, peaking near 54.85% at the latest point in February 2018. This stability suggests effective control over production and procurement costs relative to sales prices, even as total sales and gross profit values demonstrate marked variability.

Overall, the data suggests a business cycle with pronounced seasonality, characterized by strong first-quarter performances in both sales and gross profit, with mid-year troughs. Margins exhibit resilience and consistency despite fluctuations in absolute profitability figures, indicating sound operational leverage and cost management practices throughout the analyzed periods.

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Monsanto Co., operating profit margin calculation (quarterly data)

	Feb 28, 2018	Nov 30, 2017	Aug 31, 2017	May 31, 2017	Feb 28, 2017	Nov 30, 2016	Aug 31, 2016	May 31, 2016	Feb 29, 2016	Nov 30, 2015	Aug 31, 2015	May 31, 2015	Feb 28, 2015	Nov 30, 2014	Aug 31, 2014	May 31, 2014	Feb 28, 2014	Nov 30, 2013	Aug 31, 2013	May 31, 2013	Feb 28, 2013	Nov 30, 2012	Aug 31, 2012	May 31, 2012	Feb 29, 2012	Nov 30, 2011
Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions)
Income (loss) from operations	1,896)	242)	(63)	1,164)	1,864)	247)	(265)	1,249)	1,663)	(272)	(560)	1,644)	2,020)	419)	(157)	1,249)	2,418)	565)	(289)	1,238)	2,112)	509)	(256)	1,350)	1,809)	245)
Net sales	5,019)	2,658)	2,686)	4,230)	5,074)	2,650)	2,562)	4,189)	4,532)	2,219)	2,355)	4,579)	5,197)	2,870)	2,630)	4,250)	5,832)	3,143)	2,202)	4,248)	5,472)	2,939)	2,098)	4,219)	4,748)	2,439)
Profitability Ratio
Operating profit margin¹	22.20%	21.89%	21.94%	20.74%	21.38%	20.77%	17.59%	15.64%	18.09%	19.74%	23.49%	25.70%	23.62%	25.21%	25.70%	25.56%	25.49%	24.07%	24.02%	24.42%	25.22%	24.36%	23.31%	—	—	—
Benchmarks
Operating Profit Margin, Competitors²
lululemon athletica inc.	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Nike Inc.	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—

¹ Q2 2018 Calculation
Operating profit margin = 100 × (Income (loss) from operations_{Q2 2018} + Income (loss) from operations_{Q1 2018} + Income (loss) from operations_{Q4 2017} + Income (loss) from operations_{Q3 2017}) ÷ (Net sales_{Q2 2018} + Net sales_{Q1 2018} + Net sales_{Q4 2017} + Net sales_{Q3 2017})
= 100 × (1,896 + 242 + -63 + 1,164) ÷ (5,019 + 2,658 + 2,686 + 4,230) = 22.20%

² Click competitor name to see calculations.

Income (loss) from operations: The income from operations shows a significant level of volatility across the observed periods. Several quarters reflect positive earnings, while others report negative results, indicating fluctuating operational performance. Peaks in operating income are observed in February 2012 (1,809 million US$), February 2013 (2,112 million US$), and February 2014 (2,418 million US$), underscoring a pattern of strong performance around early calendar months. Conversely, notable losses occur in quarters such as August 2012 (-256 million US$), August 2013 (-289 million US$), and August 2015 (-560 million US$), suggesting potential seasonal challenges or one-time expenses impacting these periods. Toward the end of the series, income from operations maintains positive values with occasional minor losses, reflecting some recovery from previous downturns.
Net sales: Net sales demonstrate a consistent seasonal pattern with peaks usually occurring early in the calendar year, specifically in February quarters, such as 4,748 million US$ in February 2012 and 5,832 million US$ in February 2014. Mid-year and late-year quarters tend to record lower sales figures, suggesting a recurring cyclical trend. Over the years, net sales remain within a range indicating relative stability, with moderate fluctuations but no clear long-term growth or decline trend. The sales values indicate the company's ability to maintain revenues despite operational income volatility.
Operating profit margin: The operating profit margin, starting from May 2012 data, illustrates generally strong profitability, consistently above 15%. Margins peak around 25%, particularly in quarters from late 2012 through mid-2014, indicating efficient cost management relative to sales. After 2014, the margin shows a gradual decline, with a low near 15.64% in August 2016, before recovering somewhat to levels around 22% by early 2018. This trend suggests periods of pressure on profitability, possibly due to cost increases, pricing pressures, or other operational challenges.

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Monsanto Co., net profit margin calculation (quarterly data)

	Feb 28, 2018	Nov 30, 2017	Aug 31, 2017	May 31, 2017	Feb 28, 2017	Nov 30, 2016	Aug 31, 2016	May 31, 2016	Feb 29, 2016	Nov 30, 2015	Aug 31, 2015	May 31, 2015	Feb 28, 2015	Nov 30, 2014	Aug 31, 2014	May 31, 2014	Feb 28, 2014	Nov 30, 2013	Aug 31, 2013	May 31, 2013	Feb 28, 2013	Nov 30, 2012	Aug 31, 2012	May 31, 2012	Feb 29, 2012	Nov 30, 2011
Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions)
Net income (loss) attributable to Monsanto Company	1,459)	169)	20)	843)	1,368)	29)	(191)	717)	1,063)	(253)	(495)	1,141)	1,425)	243)	(156)	858)	1,670)	368)	(249)	909)	1,483)	339)	(229)	937)	1,211)	126)
Net sales	5,019)	2,658)	2,686)	4,230)	5,074)	2,650)	2,562)	4,189)	4,532)	2,219)	2,355)	4,579)	5,197)	2,870)	2,630)	4,250)	5,832)	3,143)	2,202)	4,248)	5,472)	2,939)	2,098)	4,219)	4,748)	2,439)
Profitability Ratio
Net profit margin¹	17.07%	16.38%	15.44%	14.12%	13.28%	11.61%	9.89%	7.76%	10.64%	12.67%	15.43%	17.37%	15.86%	16.78%	17.28%	17.16%	17.49%	16.67%	16.70%	16.95%	17.18%	16.12%	15.14%	—	—	—
Benchmarks
Net Profit Margin, Competitors²
lululemon athletica inc.	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Nike Inc.	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—

¹ Q2 2018 Calculation
Net profit margin = 100 × (Net income (loss) attributable to Monsanto Company_{Q2 2018} + Net income (loss) attributable to Monsanto Company_{Q1 2018} + Net income (loss) attributable to Monsanto Company_{Q4 2017} + Net income (loss) attributable to Monsanto Company_{Q3 2017}) ÷ (Net sales_{Q2 2018} + Net sales_{Q1 2018} + Net sales_{Q4 2017} + Net sales_{Q3 2017})
= 100 × (1,459 + 169 + 20 + 843) ÷ (5,019 + 2,658 + 2,686 + 4,230) = 17.07%

² Click competitor name to see calculations.

The net income attributable to the company exhibits significant volatility throughout the observed periods. Initial values show a strong increase from 126 million US dollars in November 2011 to a peak of 1483 million in February 2013. Following this peak, the net income fluctuates considerably, with notable negative values appearing in August 2012, August 2013, August 2015, November 2015, and August 2016, indicating episodes of net losses. Despite these fluctuations, the company records notable recoveries after each loss, with several peaks above 1400 million US dollars, such as in February 2014, February 2015, February 2017, and February 2018.

Net sales demonstrate a cyclical pattern, with quarterly fluctuations reflecting seasonal or operational factors. The data shows an overall upward trend peaking around the early 2010s with values increasing from 2439 million US dollars in November 2011 to a maximum of 5832 million in November 2013. After this peak, net sales decline somewhat, stabilizing in the range between approximately 4200 and 5200 million US dollars across subsequent periods. This stabilization at a high level suggests consistent revenue generation despite some quarterly variability.

The net profit margin percentages, available starting from May 2012, reflect a relatively stable profitability with minor variations. The margin ranges consistently between 7.76% and 17.49% throughout the periods, with a slight downward trend observed from the 17% range in early periods to lower figures near 7.76% to 10.64% around 2016. Subsequently, the margin recovers steadily towards values above 15% by early 2018. These fluctuations in profit margin align with the irregular net income figures and suggest sensitivity of profitability to operational changes or market conditions during the periods analyzed.

Summary of trends:: The company's financial results reveal episodes of strong earnings growth, punctuated by periodic losses and recoveries. This volatility in net income indicates fluctuating operational performance or external factors affecting profitability.; Net sales maintain a cyclical but generally stable trend with growth up to 2013, followed by a period of stabilization at a relatively high sales volume.; Profit margins are sustained within a moderate range, showing resilience but with some contraction during mid-periods and a subsequent recovery toward the end of the data series.; Overall, the financial data suggests a company experiencing variable net income performance amidst consistent revenue streams and shifting profitability margins.

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Monsanto Co., ROE calculation (quarterly data)

	Feb 28, 2018	Nov 30, 2017	Aug 31, 2017	May 31, 2017	Feb 28, 2017	Nov 30, 2016	Aug 31, 2016	May 31, 2016	Feb 29, 2016	Nov 30, 2015	Aug 31, 2015	May 31, 2015	Feb 28, 2015	Nov 30, 2014	Aug 31, 2014	May 31, 2014	Feb 28, 2014	Nov 30, 2013	Aug 31, 2013	May 31, 2013	Feb 28, 2013	Nov 30, 2012	Aug 31, 2012	May 31, 2012	Feb 29, 2012	Nov 30, 2011
Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions)
Net income (loss) attributable to Monsanto Company	1,459)	169)	20)	843)	1,368)	29)	(191)	717)	1,063)	(253)	(495)	1,141)	1,425)	243)	(156)	858)	1,670)	368)	(249)	909)	1,483)	339)	(229)	937)	1,211)	126)
Total Monsanto Company shareowners’ equity	7,754)	6,601)	6,438)	6,532)	5,540)	4,402)	4,534)	5,110)	4,152)	3,559)	6,990)	8,338)	7,659)	7,410)	7,875)	14,662)	13,678)	12,572)	12,559)	13,869)	13,240)	12,259)	11,833)	12,077)	11,994)	11,041)
Profitability Ratio
ROE¹	32.13%	36.36%	35.10%	31.37%	34.71%	36.76%	29.47%	20.20%	35.07%	51.08%	33.10%	31.82%	30.94%	35.29%	34.79%	18.05%	19.73%	19.97%	19.76%	18.04%	19.11%	18.42%	17.28%	—	—	—
Benchmarks
ROE, Competitors²
lululemon athletica inc.	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Nike Inc.	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—

¹ Q2 2018 Calculation
ROE = 100 × (Net income (loss) attributable to Monsanto Company_{Q2 2018} + Net income (loss) attributable to Monsanto Company_{Q1 2018} + Net income (loss) attributable to Monsanto Company_{Q4 2017} + Net income (loss) attributable to Monsanto Company_{Q3 2017}) ÷ Total Monsanto Company shareowners’ equity
= 100 × (1,459 + 169 + 20 + 843) ÷ 7,754 = 32.13%

² Click competitor name to see calculations.

The net income attributable to the company demonstrates significant fluctuations throughout the periods under review. Initially, the company reported positive net income with notable peaks, particularly in the quarter ending February 2013, where net income reached 1,483 million US dollars. However, several quarters exhibit negative net income values, indicating losses, especially pronounced in August 2012, August 2013, August 2015, and August 2016. These dips suggest periods of financial challenges or increased expenses impacting profitability. Nevertheless, the company consistently rebounds with positive net income in subsequent quarters, reflecting a capacity to recover from short-term setbacks.

Total shareowners’ equity exhibits an overall increasing trend, with some volatility. Equity values grew steadily from approximately 11,041 million US dollars at the beginning of the period to a peak of about 14,662 million in May 2014. However, thereafter, equity experienced a substantial decline, reaching a low around 3,559 million in February 2016. Following this trough, a gradual recovery is observed, with equity rising back up to approximately 7,754 million by the last quarter presented. This pattern implies significant capital restructuring or losses impacting equity, followed by efforts toward capitalization and stabilization.

Return on equity (ROE) data, available for select quarters starting from August 2012, exhibits a generally high and variable profile. The ROE peaks at over 50% in February 2016, dated close to the equity trough, indicating episodes of high profitability relative to equity capital despite challenging periods. Other noteworthy ROE values consistently exceed 30% for many quarters, which suggests strong profitability performance relative to shareholders’ equity during most periods analyzed. Variability in ROE aligns closely with fluctuations in net income and equity, reflecting the combined effects of income volatility and changes in equity base.

In summary, the financial indicators reveal a company experiencing cyclical profitability patterns with intermittent periods of losses. Shareowners’ equity shows initial growth, followed by a significant decline and partial recovery, pointing to underlying capital or operational challenges impacting the balance sheet. The relatively high but variable ROE indicates strong returns during profitable quarters but also significant sensitivity to the fluctuations in net income and equity structure over time.

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Monsanto Co., ROA calculation (quarterly data)

	Feb 28, 2018	Nov 30, 2017	Aug 31, 2017	May 31, 2017	Feb 28, 2017	Nov 30, 2016	Aug 31, 2016	May 31, 2016	Feb 29, 2016	Nov 30, 2015	Aug 31, 2015	May 31, 2015	Feb 28, 2015	Nov 30, 2014	Aug 31, 2014	May 31, 2014	Feb 28, 2014	Nov 30, 2013	Aug 31, 2013	May 31, 2013	Feb 28, 2013	Nov 30, 2012	Aug 31, 2012	May 31, 2012	Feb 29, 2012	Nov 30, 2011
Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions)
Net income (loss) attributable to Monsanto Company	1,459)	169)	20)	843)	1,368)	29)	(191)	717)	1,063)	(253)	(495)	1,141)	1,425)	243)	(156)	858)	1,670)	368)	(249)	909)	1,483)	339)	(229)	937)	1,211)	126)
Total assets	22,687)	23,136)	21,333)	21,758)	21,373)	20,959)	19,736)	20,328)	19,413)	21,446)	21,920)	22,259)	22,402)	23,374)	21,981)	23,281)	23,457)	24,077)	20,664)	21,679)	22,079)	22,537)	20,224)	19,984)	20,721)	20,423)
Profitability Ratio
ROA¹	10.98%	10.37%	10.59%	9.42%	9.00%	7.72%	6.77%	5.08%	7.50%	8.48%	10.56%	11.92%	10.58%	11.19%	12.47%	11.37%	11.50%	10.43%	12.01%	11.54%	11.46%	10.02%	10.11%	—	—	—
Benchmarks
ROA, Competitors²
lululemon athletica inc.	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Nike Inc.	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—

¹ Q2 2018 Calculation
ROA = 100 × (Net income (loss) attributable to Monsanto Company_{Q2 2018} + Net income (loss) attributable to Monsanto Company_{Q1 2018} + Net income (loss) attributable to Monsanto Company_{Q4 2017} + Net income (loss) attributable to Monsanto Company_{Q3 2017}) ÷ Total assets
= 100 × (1,459 + 169 + 20 + 843) ÷ 22,687 = 10.98%

² Click competitor name to see calculations.

Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Monsanto Company: The net income figures demonstrate significant volatility across the periods analyzed. Notably, the company experienced several quarters with negative earnings, specifically in August 2012, August 2013, August 2015, and November 2015, indicating episodic financial challenges. Conversely, there are quarters with exceptionally strong positive results, such as February 2013 and February 2014, with net income peaking prominently. The alternating pattern of gains and losses suggests fluctuations potentially tied to operational performance, market conditions, or one-time events. Despite these variations, there is no consistent upward or downward trend across the entire timeline.
Total Assets: Total assets present a generally stable profile with moderate fluctuations. The asset base grew from approximately $20.4 billion in November 2011 to reach a peak above $23.7 billion in November 2017. However, there are periods of decline or stagnation, notably around early and mid-2016 when total assets dipped below $20.4 billion. This pattern indicates periodic asset reallocation, divestitures, or changes in investment levels. Overall, the trend suggests prudent management of the asset base with incremental growth over the longer term.
Return on Assets (ROA): ROA data show initial reporting starting from May 2012 with values around 10%, demonstrating relatively healthy asset efficiency. The ratio peaks near 12.5% in November 2013 before exhibiting a downward trend through early 2016, reaching a low near 5%. Following that trough, there is a recovery trend, with ROA climbing back above 10% by late 2017. This fluctuation implies periods of reduced profitability or asset utilization efficiency, followed by operational improvements. The oscillating ROA corresponds with the net income volatility, reinforcing the interpretation of varying performance dynamics over time.

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Monsanto Co. (NYSE:MON)

Analysis of Profitability Ratios
Quarterly Data

Profitability Ratios (Summary)

Return on Sales

Return on Investment

Gross Profit Margin

Operating Profit Margin

Net Profit Margin

Return on Equity (ROE)

Return on Assets (ROA)

Monsanto Co. (NYSE:MON)

Analysis of Profitability Ratios Quarterly Data

Profitability Ratios (Summary)

Return on Sales

Return on Investment

Gross Profit Margin

Operating Profit Margin

Net Profit Margin

Return on Equity (ROE)

Return on Assets (ROA)

Analysis of Profitability Ratios
Quarterly Data