The ratings on Cargill Inc. and related entities are supported by the firm's position as one of the world's leading agribusiness companies, with major market positions in agricultural processing and merchandising, industrial production, and financial services. Standard&Poor's views Cargill's financial services business as having a higher business risk profile than its core agricultural operations. Management has taken steps to reduce its exposure in this business segment. The company's product and geographic diversity, as well as a vast communication and transportation network, helps optimize commodity movements and provides competitive advantages. There is also less exposure to any one segment of U.S. agriculture, or to any one international locale. Despite industry overcapacity in grain processing, volatile grain prices, and weakness
