Analysts say signs point to a limited probe by regulators. "We expect this to be the sole focus of the Department of Justice's inquiry into Monsanto, and that a formal lawsuit will not be filed," Morgan Stanley analyst Vincent Andrews wrote in a note to investors.
"We believe that the DOJ spent the last several months comprehensively reviewing Monsanto's businesses and that the very narrow scope of the CID request likely indicates no DOJ interest in the remainder of Monsanto's operating and practices."