Plant Health Care PLC (PHC.LN), a U.S. manufacturer of natural products for plants and soil, Tuesday posted increased revenue and a narrower loss for 2008, and said it was confident for the new year.

For 2008 the company reported revenue up 9% to $19.9 million from $18.3 million in 2007.

The net loss narrowed to $4.3 million from $5.4 million, although operating expenses increased 8.3% to $14.3 million as the company spent more on product development and field testing.

Following the results, analysts at Evolution Securities reiterated its "buy" rating, saying that the company "is one stock whose fortunes are not aligned with the near-term health of the global economy."

Evolution said its target price of 350 pence is entirely based on the company's deal with global seed company Monsanto Co. (MON), which it signed in December.

Under the deal Monsanto will commercialize Plant Health Care's harpin-based technology in its Acceleron seed treatment for major row crops and vegetables, beginning in the U.S. 2010 planting season.

Plant Health Care said it had "significant optimism" for 2009, saying that the early months of the year indicate an excellent year.

At 0935 GMT shares in the company were flat at 166.3 pence, compared with a rise of 0.2% on the wider AIM market.

Company Web site: www.planthealthcare.com

-By Rachael Gormley, Dow Jones Newswires; 44-20-7842-9308; rachael.gormley@dowjones.com