Singapore. Verde AgriTech Ltd (TSX: “NPK”) (“Verde” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce the appointment of João Paulo Frez as Chief Revenue Officer (“CRO”). Mr. Frez has over two decades of sales experience in the agribusiness sector, with the past nine years dedicated to developing the market for specialty fertilizers in Brazil. He succeeds Mr. Gilson Guardiero, who has served as the Company’s CRO since Q3 2023. Until February 2024, Mr. Frez served as the Senior Commercial Director for Brazil at ICL, a leading global specialty minerals company.
In his role as Senior Commercial Director for Brazil at ICL, Mr. Frez managed a robust sales team that included 3 Business Unit Directors, 13 Regional Sales Managers, and 120 Technical Sales Executives. Under his leadership, ICL experienced significant growth in sales and margins, attributed to the successful expansion of the specialty fertilizers segment.
“Mr Frez stands out as one of Brazil’s most accomplished senior executives in specialty fertilizer sales. His journey in the industry began with five years of experience in large-scale farming operations before embarking on a remarkable sales career characterized by significant growth in results. Mr. Frez’s proven track record in devising successful sales strategies and managing robust commercial operations across Brazil will play a crucial role in enhancing Verde’s sales performance and overcoming market challenges to fulfill our goals for 2024 and beyond, sustainably ensuring returns across our entire value chain by delivering high-performance agronomic products that yield good profitability for farmers, distributors, and our shareholders,” commented Cristiano Veloso, Verde’s Founder and CEO.
After playing a key role in setting up commercial operations at Cooasgo – one of Brazil’s most prominent agricultural cooperatives from 2008 to 2012 – Mr. Frez transitioned to a commercial representative position at Consagro Agroquímica – an American multinational agrochemical company – where he focused on optimizing distribution channels and implementing direct sales strategies.
In 2015, he accepted the position of Regional Sales Manager at Fertilaqua, overseeing a team of 10 Technical Sales Executives across four Brazilian states. By 2017, he was promoted to Business Unit Director, a pivotal role overseeing a strategic commercial region in Brazil. His area of operation covered multiple states, including Minas Gerais, Goiás, Bahia, and Tocantins. As Business Unit Director, Mr. Frez led a team of 63 sales executives.
The specialty fertilizers segment’s potential for high margins drew market attention to Fertilaqua, leading to its acquisition by ICL in 2021. After a year serving as Business Unit Director at ICL, Mr. Frez was promoted to the role of Senior Commercial Director. He maintained this position until February 2024, when he transitioned to Verde.
“Verde AgriTech’s dedication and mission to promote sustainable agriculture are truly inspiring. Verde’s portfolio goes beyond just potassium supply. Our products deliver a variety of nutrients that substantially improve crop growth. They are also distinguished by their salinity-free composition, ability to enhance soil microbiota, low carbon footprint, and their capability to sequester atmospheric CO2, contributing to climate change mitigation. From my experience, it’s evident to me that such characteristics establish our product as a notably superior specialty fertilizer, not just another commodity in the conventional potash market. However, our present market positioning does not fully convey these advantages, affecting the Company’s profit margins. Adopting a Blue Ocean Strategy is essential to address this, aiming to stimulate demand and render traditional competition obsolete by focusing on value creation,” stated Mr. Frez.
About Verde AgriTech
Verde is an agricultural technology Company that produces potash fertilizers. Our purpose is to improve the health of all people and the planet. Rooting our solutions in nature, we make agriculture healthier, more productive, and profitable.
Verde is a fully integrated Company: it mines and processes its main feedstock from its 100% owned mineral properties, then sells and distributes the Product.
Verde’s focus on research and development has resulted in one patent and eight patents pending. Among its proprietary technologies are Cambridge Tech, 3D Alliance, MicroS Technology, N Keeper, and Bio Revolution.[1] Currently, the Company is fully licensed to produce up to 2.8 million tons per year of its multinutrient potassium fertilizers K Forte® and BAKS®, sold internationally as Super Greensand®. In 2022, it became Brazil’s largest potash producer by capacity. Verde has a combined measured and indicated mineral resource of 1.47 billion tons at 9.28% K2O and an inferred mineral resource of 1.85 billion tons at 8.60% K2O (using a 7.5% K2O cut-off grade).[2] This amounts to 295.70 million tons of potash in K2O. For context, in 2021 Brazil’s total consumption of potash in K2O was 6.57 million[3].
Brazil ranks second in global potash demand and is its single largest importer, currently depending on external sources for over 97% of its potash needs. In 2022, potash accounted for approximately 3% of all Brazilian imports by dollar value.[4]
Corporate Presentation
For further information on the Company, please view shareholders’ deck:
https://verde.docsend.com/view/cb2w3cnd2jk4sw49
Cautionary Language and Forward-Looking Statements
All Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resources estimates reported by the Company were estimated in accordance with the Canadian National Instrument 43-101 and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy, and Petroleum Definition Standards (May 10, 2014). These standards differ significantly from the requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Mineral Resources which are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.
This document contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This information and these statements, referred to herein as “forward-looking statements” are made as of the date of this document. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect current estimates, predictions, expectations or beliefs regarding future events and include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to:
- the estimated amount and grade of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves;
- the estimated amount of CO2 removal per tonne of rock;
- the PFS representing a viable development option for the Project;
- estimates of the capital costs of constructing mine facilities and bringing a mine into production, of sustaining capital and the duration of financing payback periods;
- the estimated amount of future production, both produced and sold;
- timing of disclosure for the PFS and recommendations from the Special Committee;
- the Company’s competitive position in Brazil and demand for potash; and,
- estimates of operating costs and total costs, net cash flow, net present value and economic returns from an operating mine.
Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “plans”, “projects”, “estimates”, “envisages”, “assumes”, “intends”, “strategy”, “goals”, “objectives” or variations thereof or stating that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative of any of these terms and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements.
All forward-looking statements are based on Verde’s or its consultants’ current beliefs as well as various assumptions made by them and information currently available to them. The most significant assumptions are set forth above, but generally these assumptions include, but are not limited to:
- the presence of and continuity of resources and reserves at the Project at estimated grades;
- the estimation of CO2 removal based on the chemical and mineralogical composition of assumed resources and reserves;
- the geotechnical and metallurgical characteristics of rock conforming to sampled results; including the quantities of water and the quality of the water that must be diverted or treated during mining operations;
- the capacities and durability of various machinery and equipment;
- the availability of personnel, machinery and equipment at estimated prices and within the estimated delivery times;
- currency exchange rates;
- Super Greensand® and K Forte® sales prices, market size and exchange rate assumed;
- appropriate discount rates applied to the cash flows in the economic analysis;
- tax rates and royalty rates applicable to the proposed mining operation;
- the availability of acceptable financing under assumed structure and costs;
- anticipated mining losses and dilution;
- reasonable contingency requirements;
- success in realizing proposed operations;
- receipt of permits and other regulatory approvals on acceptable terms; and
- the fulfilment of environmental assessment commitments and arrangements with local
Although management considers these assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available to it, they may prove to be incorrect. Many forward-looking statements are made assuming the correctness of other forward looking statements, such as statements of net present value and internal rates of return, which are based on most of the other forward-looking statements and assumptions herein. The cost information is also prepared using current values, but the time for incurring the costs will be in the future and it is assumed costs will remain stable over the relevant period.
By their very nature, forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, and risks exist that estimates, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will not be achieved or that assumptions do not reflect future experience. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements as a number of important factors could cause the actual outcomes to differ materially from the beliefs, plans, objectives, expectations, anticipations, estimates assumptions and intentions expressed in such forward-looking statements. These risk factors may be generally stated as the risk that the assumptions and estimates expressed above do not occur as forecast, but specifically include, without limitation: risks relating to variations in the mineral content within the material identified as Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves from that predicted; variations in rates of recovery and extraction; the geotechnical characteristics of the rock mined or through which infrastructure is built differing from that predicted, the quantity of water that will need to be diverted or treated during mining operations being different from what is expected to be encountered during mining operations or post closure, or the rate of flow of the water being different; developments in world metals markets; risks relating to fluctuations in the Brazilian Real relative to the Canadian dollar; increases in the estimated capital and operating costs or unanticipated costs; difficulties attracting the necessary work force; increases in financing costs or adverse changes to the terms of available financing, if any; tax rates or royalties being greater than assumed; changes in development or mining plans due to changes in logistical, technical or other factors; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; risks relating to receipt of regulatory approvals; delays in stakeholder negotiations; changes in regulations applying to the development, operation, and closure of mining operations from what currently exists; the effects of competition in the markets in which Verde operates; operational and infrastructure risks and the additional risks described in Verde’s Annual Information Form filed with SEDAR in Canada (available at www.sedar.com) for the year ended December 31, 2021. Verde cautions that the foregoing list of factors that may affect future results is not exhaustive.
When relying on our forward-looking statements to make decisions with respect to Verde, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. Verde does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time by Verde or on our behalf, except as required by law.
For additional information please contact:
Cristiano Veloso, Chief Executive Officer and Founder
Tel: +55 (31) 3245 0205; Email: investor@verde.ag
www.verde.ag | www.investor.verde.ag
[1] Learn more about our technologies: https://verde.docsend.com/view/yvthnpuv8jx6g4r9
[2] As per the National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects within Canada (“NI 43 -101”), filed on SEDAR in 2017. See the Pre-Feasibility Study at: https://investor.verde.ag/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/NI-43-101-Pre-Feasibility-Technical-Report-Cerrado-Verde-Project.pdf
[3] Source: Brazilian Fertilizer Mixers Association (from “Associação Misturadores de Adubo do Brasil“, in Portuguese).
[4] Source: Brazilian Comex Stat, available at: http://comexstat.mdic.gov.br/en/geral
Singapore. Verde AgriTech Ltd (TSX: “NPK”) (“Verde” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce Marcus Ribeiro as Vice President Sales. Mr. Ribeiro will lead a skilled team of 7 account managers, overseeing 2,468 of Verde’s clients. These clients collectively cultivate over 940,000 hectares and present a potential purchase volume of 1.4 million tons of Product. Mr. Ribeiro’s responsibilities extend to managing Verde’s indirect sales team, with a portfolio that includes 110 independent sales agents and distributors. This segment of sales has played a significant role in the Company’s revenue, contributing 46% of the Company’s sales volume in 2021, 41% in 2022, 37% in 2023. Mr. Ribeiro brings over 20 years of experience in Agribusiness, encompassing roles in commercial, technical, administrative and personnel management.
During his tenure as Sales Manager at Timac Agro,[1] a French multinational part of the Roullier Group known for manufacturing and marketing specialty fertilizers, Mr. Ribeiro garnered significant recognition. In this role, Mr. Ribeiro was acclaimed as one of the top three sale managers in Brazil for two consecutive years due to his outstanding results.
In his capacity as a Partner and Sales Manager at Grupo Casa Bugre,[2] Mr. Ribeiro was responsible for the agricultural bio-inputs and fertilizers for six years. He led the Agrivalle[3] branch, providing national and international markets with transformative and sustainable solutions. His portfolio included a robust range of specialty fertilizers, biological products, adjuvants, inoculants, and additives, with a particular focus on the states of Mato Grosso and Minas Gerais.
“A native of São Gotardo, Minas Gerais – the heart of Verde’s operations – Mr. Ribeiro has built a remarkable career across Brazil’s major agricultural regions. He has a proven record in leading diverse agricultural sectors, particularly in the specialty fertilizers market. His deep understanding of market dynamics, customer trends, along with his expertise in building partnerships, driving sales growth, and enhancing operational efficiency are key to fully capitalize on the potential of our sales channels and amplifying our market presence,” stated Cristiano Veloso, Verde’s Founder and CEO.
In his new role, Mr. Ribeiro will focus on boosting customer retention and development, implementing personalized relationship strategies, and nurturing solid partnerships. His approach, deeply rooted in understanding client needs and creating customized sales and development strategies, aligns with Verde’s mission to meet and exceed client expectations. This strategic appointment is a significant move in Verde’s continuous effort to fortify its position in the agricultural sector and adapt to the changing needs of our clients.
Mr. Ribeiro holds a degree in Agricultural Engineering from the University Center of Patos de Minas (UNIPAM), a degree in Business Administration and Management from the University of São Gotardo (FACIG), and a postgraduate degree in Agronomy, Soils and Plant Nutrition, with a focus on Soil Fertility Management in the Cerrado region.
“I am thrilled to join the Verde AgriTech team,” said Mr. Ribeiro. “The Company’s vision for innovation, growth, and sustainability aligns with my values. I look forward to applying my experience to further develop our relationship management and sales strategies, reinforcing our market position and enhancing our customer-centric approach,” affirmed Mr. Ribeiro.
About Verde AgriTech
Verde is an agricultural technology Company that produces potash fertilizers. Our purpose is to improve the health of all people and the planet. Rooting our solutions in nature, we make agriculture healthier, more productive, and profitable.
Verde is a fully integrated Company: it mines and processes its main feedstock from its 100% owned mineral properties, then sells and distributes the Product.
Verde’s focus on research and development has resulted in one patent and eight patents pending. Among its proprietary technologies are Cambridge Tech, 3D Alliance, MicroS Technology, N Keeper, and Bio Revolution.[4] Currently, the Company is fully licensed to produce up to 2.8 million tons per year of its multinutrient potassium fertilizers K Forte® and BAKS®, sold internationally as Super Greensand®. In 2022, it became Brazil’s largest potash producer by capacity. Verde has a combined measured and indicated mineral resource of 1.47 billion tons at 9.28% K2O and an inferred mineral resource of 1.85 billion tons at 8.60% K2O (using a 7.5% K2O cut-off grade).[5] This amounts to 295.70 million tons of potash in K2O. For context, in 2021 Brazil’s total consumption of potash in K2O was 6.57 million[6].
Brazil ranks second in global potash demand and is its single largest importer, currently depending on external sources for over 97% of its potash needs. In 2022, potash accounted for approximately 3% of all Brazilian imports by dollar value.[7]
Corporate Presentation
For further information on the Company, please view shareholders’ deck:
https://verde.docsend.com/view/kxdp27m8xprnhy9b
Cautionary Language and Forward-Looking Statements
All Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resources estimates reported by the Company were estimated in accordance with the Canadian National Instrument 43-101 and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy, and Petroleum Definition Standards (May 10, 2014). These standards differ significantly from the requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Mineral Resources which are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.
This document contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This information and these statements, referred to herein as “forward-looking statements” are made as of the date of this document. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect current estimates, predictions, expectations or beliefs regarding future events and include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to:
- the estimated amount and grade of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves;
- the estimated amount of CO2 removal per tonne of rock;
- the PFS representing a viable development option for the Project;
- estimates of the capital costs of constructing mine facilities and bringing a mine into production, of sustaining capital and the duration of financing payback periods;
- the estimated amount of future production, both produced and sold;
- timing of disclosure for the PFS and recommendations from the Special Committee;
- the Company’s competitive position in Brazil and demand for potash; and,
- estimates of operating costs and total costs, net cash flow, net present value and economic returns from an operating mine.
Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “plans”, “projects”, “estimates”, “envisages”, “assumes”, “intends”, “strategy”, “goals”, “objectives” or variations thereof or stating that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative of any of these terms and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements.
All forward-looking statements are based on Verde’s or its consultants’ current beliefs as well as various assumptions made by them and information currently available to them. The most significant assumptions are set forth above, but generally these assumptions include, but are not limited to:
- the presence of and continuity of resources and reserves at the Project at estimated grades;
- the estimation of CO2 removal based on the chemical and mineralogical composition of assumed resources and reserves;
- the geotechnical and metallurgical characteristics of rock conforming to sampled results; including the quantities of water and the quality of the water that must be diverted or treated during mining operations;
- the capacities and durability of various machinery and equipment;
- the availability of personnel, machinery and equipment at estimated prices and within the estimated delivery times;
- currency exchange rates;
- Super Greensand® and K Forte® sales prices, market size and exchange rate assumed;
- appropriate discount rates applied to the cash flows in the economic analysis;
- tax rates and royalty rates applicable to the proposed mining operation;
- the availability of acceptable financing under assumed structure and costs;
- anticipated mining losses and dilution;
- reasonable contingency requirements;
- success in realizing proposed operations;
- receipt of permits and other regulatory approvals on acceptable terms; and
- the fulfilment of environmental assessment commitments and arrangements with local
Although management considers these assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available to it, they may prove to be incorrect. Many forward-looking statements are made assuming the correctness of other forward looking statements, such as statements of net present value and internal rates of return, which are based on most of the other forward-looking statements and assumptions herein. The cost information is also prepared using current values, but the time for incurring the costs will be in the future and it is assumed costs will remain stable over the relevant period.
By their very nature, forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, and risks exist that estimates, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will not be achieved or that assumptions do not reflect future experience. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements as a number of important factors could cause the actual outcomes to differ materially from the beliefs, plans, objectives, expectations, anticipations, estimates assumptions and intentions expressed in such forward-looking statements. These risk factors may be generally stated as the risk that the assumptions and estimates expressed above do not occur as forecast, but specifically include, without limitation: risks relating to variations in the mineral content within the material identified as Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves from that predicted; variations in rates of recovery and extraction; the geotechnical characteristics of the rock mined or through which infrastructure is built differing from that predicted, the quantity of water that will need to be diverted or treated during mining operations being different from what is expected to be encountered during mining operations or post closure, or the rate of flow of the water being different; developments in world metals markets; risks relating to fluctuations in the Brazilian Real relative to the Canadian dollar; increases in the estimated capital and operating costs or unanticipated costs; difficulties attracting the necessary work force; increases in financing costs or adverse changes to the terms of available financing, if any; tax rates or royalties being greater than assumed; changes in development or mining plans due to changes in logistical, technical or other factors; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; risks relating to receipt of regulatory approvals; delays in stakeholder negotiations; changes in regulations applying to the development, operation, and closure of mining operations from what currently exists; the effects of competition in the markets in which Verde operates; operational and infrastructure risks and the additional risks described in Verde’s Annual Information Form filed with SEDAR in Canada (available at www.sedar.com) for the year ended December 31, 2021. Verde cautions that the foregoing list of factors that may affect future results is not exhaustive.
When relying on our forward-looking statements to make decisions with respect to Verde, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. Verde does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time by Verde or on our behalf, except as required by law.
For additional information please contact:
Cristiano Veloso, Chief Executive Officer and Founder
Tel: +55 (31) 3245 0205; Email: investor@verde.ag
www.verde.ag | www.investor.verde.ag
[1] For further information, visit TIMAC’s website.
[2] For further information, visit Grupo Casa Bugre’s website.
[3]For further information, visit Agrivalle’s website.
[4] Learn more about our technologies: https://verde.docsend.com/view/yvthnpuv8jx6g4r9
[5] As per the National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects within Canada (“NI 43 -101”), filed on SEDAR in 2017. See the Pre-Feasibility Study at: https://investor.verde.ag/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/NI-43-101-Pre-Feasibility-Technical-Report-Cerrado-Verde-Project.pdf
[6] Source: Brazilian Fertilizer Mixers Association (from “Associação Misturadores de Adubo do Brasil“, in Portuguese).
[7] Source: Brazilian Comex Stat, available at: http://comexstat.mdic.gov.br/en/geral
Mr Mendes will lead a new team working with farmers to enhance their carbon avoidance and removals initiatives
Singapore. Verde AgriTech Ltd (TSX: “NPK”) (“Verde” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce Renato Mendes as Vice President Strategic Accounts. Mr. Mendes will lead a team focused exclusively on Verde’s main customers, who collectively farm over 9 million hectares. This group of 431 customers can potentially avoid up to 245 thousand tons in emission of CO2[1] and remove an additional 1.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually. Alone, this impact would represent one of the world’s largest carbon removal projects. To achieve this landmark, around 12 million tons per year of Verde’s 3.2 billion tonnes of mineral resources will be required.[2]
“It is vital to realise how fast national and international regulations are changing and accelerating towards the creation of the 1 trillion US dollar annual carbon removal industry forecasted by The Economist.[3] Mr Mendes will lead a specialized team of agronomists composed of professionals with advanced academic qualifications, including master’s and doctoral degrees, which will assist our customers in making a decisive contribution towards fighting climate change”, commented Cristiano Veloso, Verde’s Founder and CEO.
Mr Mendes hails from a family of farmers and has over twenty years of experience as an entrepreneur, farmer, consultant and senior executive. He graduated from the University of São Paulo (USP) in Agronomy Engineering and holds a post-graduation in Agribusiness Management from Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar) and an MBA in Finance from Getúlio Vargas Foundation (FGV).
“I first met Renato Mendes 16 years ago in his hometown of São Gotardo, Minas Gerais state, where Verde’s operations are. By that time, he was already establishing himself as a leader in agribusiness. Over the years, my admiration for his work has only grown, as he built a very successful career in agriculture. Conversely, Mr. Mendes tracked both Verde’s growing operations in his region and the field results of our Products. I was excited when he accepted our invitation to join Verde and look forward to working with him as we start a new chapter in our company’s life”, concluded Mr Veloso.
Mr. Mendes possesses extensive expertise and experience in the agronomy sector, honed through roles such as General Manager at Agris Consultoria[4] and Agricultural Director at Sekita Agronegócios,[5] where he developed skills in business plan development, farm planning, and project management.
During his tenure as strategic accounts manager at DeLaval, a global leader in hardware for the dairy and farming sector that operates 18 factories across over 100 markets worldwide,[6] Mr. Mendes successfully led initiatives in market development, conducted competition analysis, and managed significant large-scale projects and key accounts. His experience at DeLaval, known for its innovation and technological advancements in the agricultural sector, significantly contributed to his deep understanding of global market dynamics and client management in complex industries.
From 2014 to 2021, Renato Mendes led “Terra do Leite” project, a groundbreaking integrated farming and dairy business he co-envisioned. This project distinguished itself by introducing robotics and cutting-edge technology to milk production, significantly modernizing and enhancing the efficiency of the process. Mr Mendes’s involvement in this venture represents his commitment to innovation and sustainable agriculture practices, leading to transformative changes in the sector.[7] Renato Mendes was the Co-Founder and CEO of Paty Agro[8] and Co-Founder and Senior Consultant at Agris Consultoria since 2019.
“I am thrilled to join Verde AgriTech, a leader in agribusiness innovation that I have tracked closely over the years. As Vice President Strategic Accounts, my focus will be on intensifying our customer-centric strategy, tailing our sales strategies and customizing our offerings to meet the unique requirements of our major accounts, all the while ensuring that the carbon removing properties of Verde’s Products are strengthened and become a growing revenue stream. I am passionate about building robust, synergistic partnerships with clients and, above all, convinced that these relationships are fundamental in bringing light to opportunities that propel shared growth and success,” affirmed Mr. Mendes.
About Verde AgriTech
Verde is an agricultural technology Company that produces potash fertilizers. Our purpose is to improve the health of all people and the planet. Rooting our solutions in nature, we make agriculture healthier, more productive, and profitable.
Verde is a fully integrated Company: it mines and processes its main feedstock from its 100% owned mineral properties, then sells and distributes the Product.
Verde’s focus on research and development has resulted in one patent and eight patents pending. Among its proprietary technologies are Cambridge Tech, 3D Alliance, MicroS Technology, N Keeper, and Bio Revolution.[9] Currently, the Company is fully licensed to produce up to 2.8 million tons per year of its multinutrient potassium fertilizers K Forte® and BAKS®, sold internationally as Super Greensand®. In 2022, it became Brazil’s largest potash producer by capacity. Verde has a combined measured and indicated mineral resource of 1.47 billion tons at 9.28% K2O and an inferred mineral resource of 1.85 billion tons at 8.60% K2O (using a 7.5% K2O cut-off grade).[10] This amounts to 295.70 million tons of potash in K2O. For context, in 2021 Brazil’s total consumption of potash in K2O was 6.57 million[11].
Brazil ranks second in global potash demand and is its single largest importer, currently depending on external sources for over 97% of its potash needs. In 2022, potash accounted for approximately 3% of all Brazilian imports by dollar value.[12]
Corporate Presentation
For further information on the Company, please view shareholders’ deck:
https://verde.docsend.com/view/kxdp27m8xprnhy9b
Cautionary Language and Forward-Looking Statements
All Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resources estimates reported by the Company were estimated in accordance with the Canadian National Instrument 43-101 and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy, and Petroleum Definition Standards (May 10, 2014). These standards differ significantly from the requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Mineral Resources which are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.
This document contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This information and these statements, referred to herein as “forward-looking statements” are made as of the date of this document. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect current estimates, predictions, expectations or beliefs regarding future events and include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to:
- the estimated amount and grade of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves;
- the estimated amount of CO2 removal per tonne of rock;
- the PFS representing a viable development option for the Project;
- estimates of the capital costs of constructing mine facilities and bringing a mine into production, of sustaining capital and the duration of financing payback periods;
- the estimated amount of future production, both produced and sold;
- timing of disclosure for the PFS and recommendations from the Special Committee;
- the Company’s competitive position in Brazil and demand for potash; and,
- estimates of operating costs and total costs, net cash flow, net present value and economic returns from an operating mine.
Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “plans”, “projects”, “estimates”, “envisages”, “assumes”, “intends”, “strategy”, “goals”, “objectives” or variations thereof or stating that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative of any of these terms and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements.
All forward-looking statements are based on Verde’s or its consultants’ current beliefs as well as various assumptions made by them and information currently available to them. The most significant assumptions are set forth above, but generally these assumptions include, but are not limited to:
- the presence of and continuity of resources and reserves at the Project at estimated grades;
- the estimation of CO2 removal based on the chemical and mineralogical composition of assumed resources and reserves;
- the geotechnical and metallurgical characteristics of rock conforming to sampled results; including the quantities of water and the quality of the water that must be diverted or treated during mining operations;
- the capacities and durability of various machinery and equipment;
- the availability of personnel, machinery and equipment at estimated prices and within the estimated delivery times;
- currency exchange rates;
- Super Greensand® and K Forte® sales prices, market size and exchange rate assumed;
- appropriate discount rates applied to the cash flows in the economic analysis;
- tax rates and royalty rates applicable to the proposed mining operation;
- the availability of acceptable financing under assumed structure and costs;
- anticipated mining losses and dilution;
- reasonable contingency requirements;
- success in realizing proposed operations;
- receipt of permits and other regulatory approvals on acceptable terms; and
- the fulfilment of environmental assessment commitments and arrangements with local
Although management considers these assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available to it, they may prove to be incorrect. Many forward-looking statements are made assuming the correctness of other forward looking statements, such as statements of net present value and internal rates of return, which are based on most of the other forward-looking statements and assumptions herein. The cost information is also prepared using current values, but the time for incurring the costs will be in the future and it is assumed costs will remain stable over the relevant period.
By their very nature, forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, and risks exist that estimates, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will not be achieved or that assumptions do not reflect future experience. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements as a number of important factors could cause the actual outcomes to differ materially from the beliefs, plans, objectives, expectations, anticipations, estimates assumptions and intentions expressed in such forward-looking statements. These risk factors may be generally stated as the risk that the assumptions and estimates expressed above do not occur as forecast, but specifically include, without limitation: risks relating to variations in the mineral content within the material identified as Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves from that predicted; variations in rates of recovery and extraction; the geotechnical characteristics of the rock mined or through which infrastructure is built differing from that predicted, the quantity of water that will need to be diverted or treated during mining operations being different from what is expected to be encountered during mining operations or post closure, or the rate of flow of the water being different; developments in world metals markets; risks relating to fluctuations in the Brazilian Real relative to the Canadian dollar; increases in the estimated capital and operating costs or unanticipated costs; difficulties attracting the necessary work force; increases in financing costs or adverse changes to the terms of available financing, if any; tax rates or royalties being greater than assumed; changes in development or mining plans due to changes in logistical, technical or other factors; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; risks relating to receipt of regulatory approvals; delays in stakeholder negotiations; changes in regulations applying to the development, operation, and closure of mining operations from what currently exists; the effects of competition in the markets in which Verde operates; operational and infrastructure risks and the additional risks described in Verde’s Annual Information Form filed with SEDAR in Canada (available at www.sedar.com) for the year ended December 31, 2021. Verde cautions that the foregoing list of factors that may affect future results is not exhaustive.
When relying on our forward-looking statements to make decisions with respect to Verde, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. Verde does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time by Verde or on our behalf, except as required by law.
For additional information please contact:
Cristiano Veloso, Chief Executive Officer and Founder
Tel: +55 (31) 3245 0205; Email: investor@verde.ag
www.verde.ag | www.investor.verde.ag
[1] 12Mt of K Forte® is equivalent to 2Mt of KCl in K2O content. Emissions avoided are calculated as the difference between the weighted average emissions for KCl suppliers to produce, deliver, and apply their product in each customer’s city and the emissions determined according to K Forte®’s Life Cycle Assessment for its production, delivery, and application in each customer’s city.
[2] Combined measured and indicated mineral resource of 1.47 billion tons at 9.28% K2O and an inferred mineral resource of 1.85 billion tons at 8.60% K2O (using a 7.5% K2O cut-off grade). As per the National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects within Canada (“NI 43 -101”), filed on SEDAR in 2022. For further information, see the Pre-Feasibility Study at: https://investor.verde.ag/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/NI-43-101-Pre-Feasibility-Technical-Report-for-the-Cerrado-Verde-Project.pdf
[3] Source: Can carbon removal become a trillion-dollar business? (2023).
[4] Agris Agricultura is a consultancy firm specializing in agricultural management and project development, providing services such as farm planning, business strategy, and technical assistance to enhance agricultural operations.
[5] Sekita Agronegócios is a Brazilian agricultural company engaged in diverse farming activities, known for its expertise in crop production, livestock farming, and advanced agricultural project management. Sekita Agronegócios’ website: https://www.sekita.com.br/
[6] For further information, visit DeLaval’s website.
[7] Read more about it here.
[8] Paty Agro is a company specialized in vegetable production – garlic, onion, carrot, beetroot, sweet potato, pumpkin, and ginger, in Nova Ponte, Mina Gerais.
[9] Learn more about our technologies: https://verde.docsend.com/view/yvthnpuv8jx6g4r9
[10] As per the National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects within Canada (“NI 43 -101”), filed on SEDAR in 2017. See the Pre-Feasibility Study at: https://investor.verde.ag/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/NI-43-101-Pre-Feasibility-Technical-Report-Cerrado-Verde-Project.pdf
[11] Source: Brazilian Fertilizer Mixers Association (from “Associação Misturadores de Adubo do Brasil“, in Portuguese).
[12] Source: Brazilian Comex Stat, available at: http://comexstat.mdic.gov.br/en/geral
Results surpass EPS guidance by 254%
Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Verde AgriTech Plc (TSX: “NPK”) (OTCQB: “AMHPF”) (“Verde” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce its financial results for the first quarter of 2022 (“Q1 2022”).
Q1 2022 Financials
- Revenue increased by 1,260% in Q1 2022, to $11,304,000 compared to $831,000 in Q1 2021.
- Revenue in Brazilian Real (“R$”) increased by 1,196% in Q1 2022, to R$46,627,000 compared to R$3,597,000 in Q1 2021.
- Sales by volume increased by 574% in Q1 2022, to 111,667 tonnes sold compared to 16,558 tonnes sold in Q1 2021.
- Gross margin increased to 77% in Q1 2022, compared to 41% in Q1 2021.
- EBITDA before non-cash events increased to $3,678,000 in Q1 2022, compared to an operating loss of $887,000 in Q1 2021.
- Net profit increased to $3,033,000 in Q1 2022, compared to a net loss of $1,811,000 in Q1 2021.
Subsequent Events
- In April 2022, the Company announced that Plant 2 was on track to start production in Q3 2022, initially with a 1,200,000 tpy production capacity, as announced by the Company in the press release published on March 03, 2022. The final Plant 2 capacity of 2,400,000 tpy is expected to be reached in Q4 2022. Therefore, by Q4 2022, with Plant 2’s expansion, overall production capacity is expected to be 3,000,000 tpy, establishing Verde as Brazil’s largest potash producer.
- In April 2022, the Market Study (the “Study”) that will underpin the preparation of the New Pre-Feasibility Study announced by the Company on March 01, 2021 (the “PFS”) was concluded. The Study calculated the potential Brazilian agricultural market for potash, sulphur, and the micronutrients zinc, boron, copper and manganese. The Study was conducted between May 2021 and March 2022, it will be an integral part of the PFS. The PFS will contemplate a scenario of total annual production of up to 50,000,000 tonnes per year (“tpy”) of Verde’s Product, equivalent to 63% of the total Brazilian potash consumption in 2021.
- In April 2022, Bio Revolution, Verde’s newest technology that enables the incorporation of microorganisms to mineral fertilizers, was launched by the Company.[1] K Forte® will be the first fertilizer in the world to use Bio Revolution technology. Bacillus aryabhattai, widely renowned in agriculture for its multiple benefits, will be the first microorganism to be incorporated into Verde’s Product. Verde’s Plant 1 is already equipped with a facility for deploying Bio Revolution. At Plant 2, a proportionally larger Bio Revolution facility will be built, with operations expected by the end of 2022.
- In May 2022, Verde announced an increase in its 2022 guidance, previously published on January 10, 2022. The revised 2022 guidance provides for sales of 1,000,000 tonnes of Verde’s multinutrient potassium products, BAKS® and K Forte® sold internationally as Super Greensand® (the “Product”), with revenue of C$109.09 million, EBITDA of C$49.06 million and net earnings per share (“EPS”) of C$0.87. The 2023 guidance provides for sales of 2,000,000 tonnes.
“2022 has started in a very shaky manner for the agricultural market globally. In Brazil, which depends on imports for over 96% of its potash supplies, the concern with fertilizers has been at the forethought of most farmers. Despite the record rainfalls during the period, which postponed Verde’s delivery of an additional 25,133 tonnes of Product in Q1 2022, our Team successfully reached a growing portion of Brazil’s market. Verde’s target towards the delivery of 1,000,000 tonnes by the end of 2022 is further boosted by these latest results.” declared Verde’s Founder, President & CEO Cristiano Veloso.
2022 Guidance
On May 03, 2022, Verde announced an increase in its 2022 and 2023 guidance,[2] previously published on January 10, 2022.[3] The Company’s original and revised 2022 targets are detailed on a quarterly basis, to reflect the market demand’s seasonality, as follows:
Period |
Q1 2022 |
Q2 2022 |
Q3 2022 |
Q4 2022 |
FY 2022 |
Guidance |
Original
Jan 2022 |
Achieved
in Q1 2022 |
Original
Jan 2022 |
Revised
May 2022 |
Original
Jan 2022 |
Revised
May 2022 |
Original
Jan 2022 |
Revised
May 2022 |
Original
Jan 2022 |
Revised
May 2022 |
EPS (C$) |
0.02 |
0.06 |
0.18 |
0.21 |
0.25 |
0.35 |
0.06 |
0.25 |
0.50 |
0.87 |
EBITDA (C$’000)[4] |
1,358 |
3,678 |
10,155 |
11,808 |
13,414 |
19,259 |
3,506 |
14,319 |
28,434 |
49,065 |
Revenue (C$’000) |
10,070 |
11,304 |
21,954 |
22,902 |
27,228 |
40,121 |
13,011 |
34,769 |
72,263 |
109,097 |
Sales target (tonnes) |
115,000 |
111,667 |
200,000 |
200,000 |
250,000 |
353,718 |
135,000 |
334,615 |
700,000 |
1,000,000 |
The 2022 guidance is underpinned by the following assumptions:
- Average Brazilian Real (“R$”) to Canadian Dollar exchange rate: C$1.00 = R$4.40
- Verde’s Product CIF and FOB average price for the full year, including delivered orders, committed orders and projected orders: C$109 per tonne
- Sales Incoterms: 50% CIF and 50% FOB
- Sales channels: 40% direct sales and 60% indirect sales
2023 Guidance
For 2023, Verde’s updated sales volume target is 2,000,000 tonnes. This target represents a potential 100% growth Year-on-Year (“YoY”).
Period |
FY 2023 |
Guidance |
Original
Jan 2022 |
Revised
May 2022 |
Sales target (tonnes) |
1,400,000 |
2,000,000 |
Selected Annual Financial Information
The table below summarizes Q1 2022 financial results compared to Q1 2021:
All amounts in
CAD $’000 |
Q1 2022 |
Q1 2021 |
Tonnes sold ‘000 |
112 |
17 |
Revenue per tonne sold $ |
101 |
50 |
Production cost per tonne sold $ |
(24) |
(30) |
Gross Profit per tonne sold $ |
77 |
20 |
Gross Margin |
77% |
41% |
|
|
|
Revenue |
11,304 |
831 |
Production costs |
(2,654) |
(490) |
Gross Profit |
8,650 |
341 |
Gross Margin |
77% |
41% |
Sales and product delivery
freight expenses |
(3,931) |
(531) |
General and administrative expenses |
(1,041) |
(697) |
EBITDA (1) |
3,678 |
(887) |
Share Based and Bonus
Payments (Non-Cash Event) (2) |
(64) |
(822) |
Depreciation and Amortisation (2) |
(26) |
(5) |
Profit on disposal of plant and
equipment (2) |
– |
9 |
Operating Profit / (loss) after
non-cash events |
3,588 |
(1,705) |
Interest Income/Expense |
(185) |
(75) |
Net Profit / (Loss) before tax |
3,403 |
(1,780) |
Income tax |
(370) |
(31) |
Net Profit / (Loss) |
3,033 |
(1,811) |
(1) – Non GAAP measure
(2) – Included in General and Administrative expenses in financial statements
External Factors
Revenue and costs are affected by external factors, including changes in the exchange rates between the C$ and R$ along with fluctuations in potassium chloride CIF (Minas Gerais) prices. The table below summaries these changes.
|
Change % |
3 months ended
Mar 31, 2022 |
3 months ended
Mar 31, 2021 |
Canadian Dollar (C$)
Average Exchange Rate |
-5% |
R$4.12 |
R$4.33 |
Potassium Chloride CIF
(Minas Gerais) Lowest Price(1) |
+154% |
US$800 |
US$315 |
Potassium Chloride CIF
(Minas Gerais) Highest Price(1) |
+204% |
US$1,200 |
US$395 |
(1) – Source: Acerto Limited Report.
Net Profits and EPS
The Company generated a net profit of $3,033,000 for Q1 2022, an increase of $4,844,000 compared to a net loss of $1,811,000 for Q1 2021. The basic earnings per share was $0.060 for Q1 2022, compared to loss per share of $0.036 for Q1 2021.
Product Sales
Sales by volume increased by 574% in Q1 2022, to 111,667 tonnes sold compared to 16,558 tonnes sold in Q1 2021.
Revenue
Revenue from sales increased by 1,260% in Q1 2022, to $11,304,000 from the sale of 111,667 tonnes of the Product, at $101 per tonne sold; compared to $831,000 in Q1 2021 from the sale of 16,558 tonnes of the Product, at $50 per tonne sold.
Revenue per tonne excluding freight expenses (FOB price) improved by 105% in Q1 2022, to $75 compared to $36 in Q1 2021.
The KCl price increased by 204% in Q1 2022, compared to Q1 2021. Verde did not, however, see a proportional increase in its pricing for Q1 2022 sales because it had sold part of its Q1 production in Q4 2021 and discounts are applied.
Revenue per tonne in Q1 2022 was higher than Q1 2021 mainly due to:
- Product volume sold as CIF (Cost Insurance and Freight) increased from 34% of total sales in Q1 2021 to 60% in Q1 2022.
- Potassium Chloride CIF (Minas Gerais) price increased from US$315-395 per tonne in Q1 2021 to US$800-US$1,200 per tonne in Q1 2022 (as reported by Acerto Limited, a market intelligence firm).
Production costs
Production costs include all direct costs from mining, processing, and the addition of other nutrients to the Product, such as Sulphur and Boron. They also include the logistics costs from the mine to the factory and related salaries.
Production costs increased by 442% in Q1 2022, to $2,654,000 compared to $490,000 in Q1 2021. This was due to a 574% increase in volume sold, from 16,558 tonnes in Q1 2022 to 111,667 tonnes in Q1 2021. Cost per tonne decreased by 20% in Q1 2022, to $24 compared to $30 in Q1 2021. This reduction was mainly driven by fixed cost dilution in Q1 2022.
Sales Expenses
CAD $’000 |
Q1 2022 |
Q1 2021 |
Sales and marketing expenses |
(822) |
(293) |
Fees paid to independent sales agents |
(136) |
(9) |
Product delivery freight expenses |
(2,973) |
(229) |
Total |
(3,931) |
(531) |
Sales and marketing expenses
Sales and marketing expenses include employees’ salaries, car rentals, travel within Brazil, hotel expenses, customer relationship management (CRM) software licenses, and the promotion of the Product in marketing events.
Expenses increased by 181% in Q1 2022, to $822,000 compared to $293,000 in Q1 2021, mainly due to a further expansion of Verde’s sales and marketing team, with professional headcount in the team increasing from an average of 43 in Q1 2021 to 62 in Q1 2022. This increase is in line with the Company’s accelerated growth strategy.
Fees paid to independent sales agents
As part of Verde’s marketing and sales strategy, the Company pays out commissions to its independent sales agents.
Fees paid to independent sales agents increased by 1431% in Q1 2022, to $136,000 compared to $9,000 in
Q1 2021, as a direct result of increased sales and higher volume sold by sales agents compared to internal sales and distributors.
Product delivery freight expenses
Product delivery freight expenses increased by 1197% in Q1 2022, to $2,973,000 compared to $229,000 in Q1 2021, as the Company has significantly increased the volume sold as CIF (Cost Insurance and Freight), up from 34% of total sales in Q1 2021 to 60% in Q1 2022 and due to higher fuel prices, which increased 44% in Q1 2022 compared to Q1 2021.
General and Administrative Expenses
CAD $’000 |
Q1 2022 |
Q1 2021 |
General administrative expenses |
(410) |
(478) |
Legal, professional, consultancy
and audit costs |
(411) |
(159) |
IT/Software expenses |
(204) |
(52) |
Taxes and licenses fees |
(16) |
(8) |
Total |
(1,041) |
(697) |
General administrative expenses
These costs include general office expenses, rent, bank fees, insurance, foreign exchange variances and remuneration of executive and administrative staff in Brazil.
Expenses decreased by 14% in Q1 2022, to $410,000 compared to $478,000 in Q1 2021 mainly due to incentive compensation to the key management in Q1 2021.
Despite the reduction, salary costs have increased in 2022 as they include additional administrative employees, with professional headcount in the team increasing from an average of 26 in Q1 2021 to 57 in Q1 2022 to help support the Company’s growth.
Legal, professional, consultancy and audit costs
Legal and professional fees include legal, professional, consultancy fees along with accountancy, audit and regulatory costs. Consultancy fees are consultants employed in Brazil, such as accounting services, patent process, lawyer’s fees and regulatory consultants.
Expenses increased by 159% in Q1 2022, to $411,000 compared to $159,000 in Q1 2021, due to higher expenses with environmental, legal, accounting, and IT consultancies.
IT/Software expenses
IT/Software expenses include software licenses such as Microsoft Office, Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software and enterprise resource planning (ERP).
Expenses increased by 290% in Q1 2022, to $204,000 compared to $52,000 in Q1 2022, mainly due to CRM and ERP consultants services.
Taxes and licences
Taxes and licence expenses include general taxes, product branding and licence costs.
Expenses increased in Q1 2022, to $16,000 compared to $8,000 in Q1 2022.
Share Based and Bonus Payments (Non-Cash Event)
These costs represent the expense associated with stock options granted to employees and directors and non-cash bonuses paid to key management.
Share Based Payments costs decreased by 92% in Q1 2022, to $64,000 compared to $822,000 in Q1 2021.
Q1 2022 Results Conference Call
The Company will host a conference call on Wednesday, May 25, 2022, at 09:00 am Eastern Time, to discuss Q4 and FY 2021 results and provide an update. Subscribe using the link below and receive the conference details by email.
The questions can be submitted in advance through the following link up to 48 hours before the conference call:
The Company’s first quarter financial statements and related notes for the period ended March 31, 2021 are available to the public on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and the Company’s website at www.investor.verde.ag/.
About Verde AgriTech
Verde is an agricultural technology Company that produces potash fertilizers. Our purpose is to improve the health of all people and the planet. Rooting our solutions in nature, we make agriculture healthier, more productive, and profitable.
Verde is a fully integrated Company: it mines and processes its main feedstock from its 100% owned mineral properties, then sells and distributes the Product.
Verde’s focus on research and development has resulted in one patent and eight patents pending. Among its proprietary technologies are Cambridge Tech, 3D Alliance, MicroS Technology, N Keeper, and Bio Revolution.[5] Currently, the Company is fully licensed to produce up to 2.8 million tonnes per year of its multinutrient potassium fertilizers K Forte® and BAKS®, sold internationally as Super Greensand®.[6]
By the end of 2022, Verde aims to become Brazil’s largest potash producer by capacity.[7] Verde has a combined measured and indicated mineral resource of 1.47 billion tonnes at 9.28% K2O and an inferred mineral resource of 1.85 billion tonnes at 8.60% K2O (using a 7.5% K2O cut-off grade).[8] This amounts to 295.70 million tonnes of potash in K2O. For context, in 2021 Brazil’s total consumption of potash in K2O was 7.92 million.[9]
Brazil ranks second in global potash demand and is its single largest importer, currently depending on external sources for over 96% of its potash needs. In 2021, potash accounted for approximately 2% of all Brazilian imports by dollar value.
Corporate Presentation
For further information on the Company, please view shareholders’ deck: https://verde.docsend.com/view/tr4c6e5qhjr442t3
Investors Newsletter
Subscribe to receive the Company’s updates at:
http://cloud.marketing.verde.ag/InvestorsSubscription
The last edition of the newsletter can be accessed at:
Cautionary Language and Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” (collectively, “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. The Cautionary Language and Forward-Looking Statements can be accessed at this link.
For additional information please contact:
Cristiano Veloso, President, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer
Tel: +55 (31) 3245 0205; Email: investor@verde.ag
www.investor.verde.ag | www.supergreensand.com | www.verde.ag
[1] See the release at: https://investor.verde.ag/verde-launches-bio-revolution/
[2] See the release at: https://investor.verde.ag/verdes-2022-guidance-and-two-year-outlook-revised-upwards/
[3] See the release at: https://investor.verde.ag/verde-announces-2022-guidance-and-two-year-outlook/
[4] Before non-cash events.
[5] Learn more about our technologies: https://verde.docsend.com/view/yvthnpuv8jx6g4r9
[6] See the release at: https://investor.verde.ag/2-5-million-tonnes-per-year-potash-mining-concession-granted-to-verde/
[7] See the release at: https://investor.verde.ag/verde-to-reach-3-million-tonnes-potash-production-capacity-in-2022/
[8] As per the National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects within Canada (“NI 43 -101”), filed on SEDAR in 2017. See the Pre-Feasibility Study at: https://investor.verde.ag/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/NI-43-101-Pre-Feasibility-Technical-Report-Cerrado-Verde-Project.pdf
[9] Union of the Agricultural Fertilizers and Correctives Industry, in the State of São Paulo (“SIACESP”, from Sindicato da Indústria de Fertilizantes e Corretivos Agropecuários, no Estado de São Paulo).
(All figures are in Canadian dollars, unless stated otherwise. Average exchange rate in Q3 2021: C$1.00 = R$4.26)
Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Verde AgriTech Plc (TSX: “NPK”) (OTCQB: “AMHPF”) (“Verde” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce its financial results for the third quarter, ended on September 30, 2021 (“Q3 2021”).
Q3 2021 Financials
- Revenue increased by 169%, to $10,651,000 compared to $3,956,000 in the third quarter of 2020 (“Q3 2020”).
- Revenue in Brazilian Real (“R$”) increased by 206%, to R$45,409,000 compared to R$14,815,000 in Q3 2020.
- Gross margin increased to 77% in Q3 2021, compared to 67% in Q3 2020.
- Operating profit before non-cash events increased by 124%, to $3,665,000 compared to $1,635,000 in Q3 2020.
- Trade and other receivables increased by 141%, to $8,238,000 compared to $3,415,000 in Q3 2020.
- Sales by volume increased by 45%, to 153,674 tonnes sold compared to 105,769 tonnes sold in Q3 2020.
- Net profit increased by 192% in Q3 2021, to $3,183,000, compared to $1,090,000 in Q3 2020.
“Our hard work over the years is yielding consistent growth since production started in 2017. In Q3 2021 the effort was relentless as we sought to meet our heightened target, which was achieved thanks to the high quality and commitment of our team. We will endeavour to maintain an exponential growth expansion for the foreseeable future”, said Cristiano Veloso, Verde’s Founder and CEO.
Subsequent Events
- In October 2021, the Company has secured $3.75 million (R$16 million) in loan agreements to fully cover the capital expenditure for the construction of Plant 2. The first $1.17 million (R$5 million) was released to the Company by Santander. The remaining $2.58 million (R$11 million) was approved in the same month by Santander and Bradesco, to be drawn down according to the project requirements. The total construction cost of Plant 2 is expected to be $5.16 million (R$22 million) with $1.41 million (R$6 million) invested through internally generated cashflow.
“From September onwards, market demand has outstripped Plant 1’s operational capacity. Therefore, after having invested over C$66 million to reach our current rate of production, we are proud to finance the tripling of current capacity based on debt and cashflow alone. Many shareholders have continuously supported Verde over the years – it is therefore gratifying to reciprocate by growing through a shareholder-friendly dilution-free strategy”, declared Mr. Veloso.
2021 Guidance
The Company is pleased to announce another increase in its 2021 guidance. The new target is set at R$110 million of revenue for 2021, which would represent an increase of 120% to the Company’s original guidance of R$50 million. If achieved, this new target will represent a 212% growth Year-on-Year (“YoY”).
Selected Annual Financial Information
The table below summarizes Q3 2021 financial results compared to Q3 2020 and provides information about 2021 and 2020 year-to-date (“YTD”). All amounts in CAD $’000.
CAD $’000 |
Q3 2021 |
Q3 2020 |
YTD 2021 |
YTD 2020 |
Tonnes sold ‘000 |
154 |
106 |
266 |
187 |
Revenue per tonne sold $ |
69 |
37 |
63 |
37 |
Production cost per tonne sold $ |
(16) |
(12) |
(17) |
(14) |
Gross Profit per tonne sold $ |
53 |
25 |
47 |
23 |
Gross Margin |
77% |
67% |
74% |
63% |
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue |
10,651 |
3,956 |
16,858 |
6,957 |
Production costs |
(2,452) |
(1,316) |
(4,440) |
(2,602) |
Gross Profit |
8,199 |
2,640 |
12,418 |
4,355 |
Gross Margin |
77% |
67% |
74% |
63% |
Sales and product delivery freight expenses |
(4,022) |
(570) |
(6,789) |
(1,596) |
General and administrative expenses |
(512) |
(435) |
(1,631) |
(1,203) |
Operating Profit before non-cash events |
3,665 |
1,635 |
3,998 |
1,556 |
Share Based and Bonus Payments (Non-Cash Event) (1) |
(13) |
(339) |
(1,528) |
(407) |
Depreciation and Amortisation |
(20) |
(3) |
(35) |
(18) |
Profit on disposal of plant and equipment |
– |
(18) |
9 |
(18) |
Operating Profit after non–cash events |
3,632 |
1,275 |
2,444 |
1,113 |
Income tax |
(352) |
(136) |
(571) |
(252) |
Interest Income/Expense |
(98) |
(49) |
(229) |
(119) |
Net Profit |
3,182 |
1,090 |
1,644 |
742 |
(1) – Included in General and Administrative expenses in financial statements.
Q3 2021 compared with Q3 2020
For Q3 2021 the Company generated a net profit of $3,182,000, an increase of $2,093,000 compared to Q3 2020. The earnings per share was $0.06, compared to $0.02 for Q3 2020.
Product Sales
In Q3 2021, the Company sold 153,674 tonnes, an increase of 45% in comparison to Q3 2020. BAKS® accounted for approximately 10% of Verde’s sales in Q3 2021.
Revenue
Revenue from sales for Q3 2021 was $10,651,000 from the sale of 153,674 tonnes of the Product, at $69 per tonne sold. Despite the 14% Brazilian Real devaluation against the Canadian Dollar, revenue per tonne was higher than Q3 2020 ($37 per tonne sold) mainly due to three factors:
- Product volume sold as CIF (Cost Insurance and Freight) increased from 14% of total sales in Q3 2020 to 50% in Q3 2021.
- Potassium Chloride CIF (Minas Gerais) price increased from US$290-US$310 per tonne in Q3 2020 to US$515-790 per tonne in Q3 2021 (as reported by Acerto Limited, a market intelligence firm).
- BAKS has a higher sales price per tonne than the Product, it was launched in Q4 2020 and in Q3 2021 it accounted for 10.5% of the total volume sold.
Production costs
Production costs in R$ include all direct costs from mining, processing, and the addition of the other nutrients such as Sulfur and Boron, the logistics from the mine to the factory and related salaries. Production costs for Q3 2021 were $2,452,000, an increase of $1,136,000 compared to Q3 2020. Cost per tonne for the quarter was $16 compared to $12 for the same period in 2020. This increase was due in large part to higher fuel prices, which increased 80% in Q3 2021 compared to Q3 2020, and due to the production of BAKS, which has a higher cost per tonne because its feedstock includes other nutrients that Verde purchases from third parties.
Sales Expenses
CAD $’000 |
Q3 2021 |
Q3 2020 |
YTD 2021 |
YTD 2020 |
Sales and marketing expenses |
(601) |
(294) |
(1,241) |
(796) |
Fees paid to independent sales agents |
(188) |
(12) |
(260) |
(145) |
Product delivery freight expenses |
(3,233) |
(264) |
(5,288) |
(655) |
Total |
(4,022) |
(570) |
(6,789) |
(1,596) |
Sales and marketing expenses
Sales and marketing expenses include employees’ salaries, car rentals, travel within Brazil, hotel expenses, customer relationship management (CRM) software licenses, and the promotion of the Product in marketing events. Expenses increased by $483,000 in Q3 2021 compared to Q3 2020 mainly due to a further expansion of Verde’s sales and marketing team, with professional headcount increasing from 32 in Q3 2020 to 57 in Q3 2021. This increase is in line with the Company’s accelerated growth strategy. The Company’s sales and marketing team had 50 employees in Q2 2021.
Fees paid to independent sales agents
As part of Verde’s marketing and sales strategy, the Company pays out commissions to its independent sales agents. Fees paid to sales independent agents increased by $176,000 in Q3 2021 compared to Q3 2020. This was mainly due to an overestimated provision of $80,000 for Q1 and Q2 2020, which left a surplus that was therefore deducted from the Q3 2020 costs. Taking into account the surplus, the expenses increased by $96,000 for Q3 2021, due to increased sales success.
Product delivery freight expenses
Product delivery freight expenses were $2,969,000 higher in Q3 2021 compared to Q3 2020 as the Company has significantly increased the volume sold as CIF (Cost Insurance and Freight), up from 14% of total sales in 2020 to 50% in 2021 and due to higher fuel prices, which increased 80% in Q32021 compared to Q3 2020.
General and Administrative Expenses
CAD $’000 |
Q3 2021 |
Q3 2020 |
YTD 2021 |
YTD 2020 |
General administrative expenses |
(291) |
(240) |
(1,009) |
(656) |
Legal, professional, consultancy and audit costs |
(134) |
(160) |
(399) |
(444) |
IT/Software expenses |
(82) |
(26) |
(204) |
(75) |
Taxes and licenses fees |
(5) |
(9) |
(19) |
(28) |
Total |
(512) |
(435) |
(1,631) |
(1,203) |
General administrative expenses
These costs include general office expenses, rent, bank fees, insurance, foreign exchange variances and remuneration of executive and administrative staff in Brazil. The costs have increased by $51,000 in Q3 2021 compared to Q3 2020 as they include an additional 36 administrative employees, with professional headcount increasing from 20 in Q3 2020 to 56 in Q3 2021 to support the Company’s growth and due to incentive compensation. The Company had 47 administrative employees in Q2 2021.
Legal, professional, consultancy and audit costs
Legal and professional fees include legal, professional, consultancy fees along with accountancy, audit and regulatory costs. Consultancy fees are consultants employed in Brazil, such as accounting services, patent process, lawyer’s fees and regulatory consultants. The costs in Q3 2021 are $26,000 lower than Q3 2020 mainly due to audit cost reduction and Brazilian Real devaluation against Canadian dollar.
IT/Software expenses
IT/Software expenses include software licenses such as Microsoft Office, CRM and enterprise resource planning (ERP). In Q3 2021 expenses were $82,000, an increase of $56,000 on Q3 2020 due to an increase in the number of software licenses used by the Company.
Taxes and licences
Taxes and licence expenses include general taxes, product branding and licence costs. In Q3 2021, expenses were $5,000 compared to $9,000 in Q3 2020.
Share Based and Bonus Payments (Non-Cash Event)
These costs represent the expense associated with stock options granted to employees and directors and non-cash bonuses paid to key management.
Share Based Payments costs in Q3 2021 represent the expense associated with stock options granted to employees as part of the Company’s long-term incentive programme. These are measured under the Black-Scholes Model.
Q3 2021 Results Conference Call
The Company will host a conference call on Wednesday, November 24, 2021 at 09:00 am Eastern Time, to discuss Q3 2021 results and provide an update. Subscribe using the link below and receive the conference details by email.
The questions can be submitted in advance through the following link: https://bit.ly/Q3-2021-QuestionForm
The Company’s first quarter financial statements and related notes for the period September 30, 2021
are available to the public on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and the Company’s website at www.investor.verde.ag/.
Investors Newsletter
Subscribe to receive the Company’s monthly updates at:
http://cloud.marketing.verde.ag/InvestorsSubscription
The most recent edition of the newsletter can be accessed at: https://bit.ly/InvestorNL-October2021
About Verde AgriTech
Verde is an agricultural technology company that develops and produces fertilizers. Rooting our solutions in nature, we make agriculture healthier, more productive, and profitable for farmers. We work to improve the health of all people and the planet.
Cautionary Language and Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” (collectively, “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. The Cautionary Language and Forward-Looking Statements can be accessed at this link.
For additional information please contact:
Cristiano Veloso, President & Chief Executive Officer
Tel: +55 (31) 3245 0205; Email: investor@verde.ag
www.investor.verde.ag | www.supergreensand.com | www.verde.ag