Settlements that are classified as penalties are generally not tax deductible. Settlements that are classified as remedial/restorative generally are.
This was no doubt a topic of discussion and planning before the settlement was entered into. The article repeatedly refers to it as a "penalty", but it's unclear if that's colloquial or specifically informed language.
I doubt Monsanto pays an effective tax rate anywhere close to 20%. Further the people who receive the settlement pay taxes on it thus the taxpayer is likely better of.
Yep. I'm already sour against the IRS from just doing some tax calculations, saw the article title, and didn't even read the article before commenting! Edited my comment.