Bunge Stock: Is BG Underperforming the Consumer Defensive Sector?

With a market cap of $10.9 billion, Bunge Global SA (BG) is a leading global agribusiness and food company that operates across the farm-to-consumer food chain, providing essential products and services on five continents. The Chesterfield, Missouri-based company operates through four key segments: Agribusiness; Refined and Specialty Oils; Milling; and Sugar and Bioenergy.
Companies valued at more than $10 billion are generally considered “large-cap” stocks, and Bunge fits this criterion perfectly. It processes and markets a wide range of agricultural commodities, including oilseeds, grains, and vegetable oils, serving industries such as animal feed, biofuel, food manufacturing, and retail. Bunge combines a rich legacy with a global presence to address the world's food and energy needs.
However, the agribusiness giant pulled back 32.1% from its 52-week high of $114.92, recorded in July. Shares of Bunge have declined 18.6% over the past three months, lagging behind the Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund’s (XLP) 3.8% decrease over the same time frame.

In the long term, BG stock is down 27.2% over the past six months, underperforming XLP’s 3.2% rise. Moreover, shares of Bunge have dipped 23.8% over the past 52 weeks, compared to XLP’s 11.4% return over the same time frame.
BG stock has been trading below its 50-day and 200-day moving averages since August.

Despite reporting better-than-expected Q3 adjusted EPS of $2.29, shares of Bunge fell 2.3% on Oct. 30 due to broader concerns about declining profitability and narrowing margins in its key segments. The 22% year-over-year drop in adjusted earnings for Agribusiness, its largest segment, highlighted weak oilseed processing margins in North America and Asia. Additionally, its refined and specialty oils segment saw a 21% drop in profit despite higher volumes, raising doubts about sustained growth. Investors were also likely disappointed by the company's full-year profit outlook of "at least $9.25" per share, which fell short of analysts' $9.43 expectations.
In comparison, rival Ingredion Incorporated (INGR) is outperforming BG. Shares of Ingredion have gained 27.2% over the past 52 weeks and 21.7% over the past six months.
Despite BG’s weak price action, seven analysts covering the stock have a consensus rating of “Strong Buy.” The mean price target of $105.62 suggests a premium of 35.3% to current levels.
On the date of publication, Sohini Mondal did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.