The ratings on Minnetonka, Minn.-based 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. However, this is partially offset, in Standard&Poor's Ratings Services' view, by a moderately aggressive financial profile. The company's product and geographic diversity, and a vast communication and transportation network, help optimize commodity movements and provide competitive advantages. In addition, Cargill has less exposure to any one U.S. agricultural segment, or to any one international locale. Results for the first quarter of fiscal 2009 showed improvement reflecting the solid results in the company's origination and processing segment and industrial segment and
