China Agritech Inc (NASDAQ:CAGC)

• Net revenue grew 63% year-over-year to a quarterly record of $34.3 million from $21.0 millionin the second quarter last year. Liquid fertilizer sales increased year-over-year by 46% to approximately $20.0 million, while granular fertilizer sales posted a year-over-year 95% increase to reach approximately$14.3 million. Organic granular fertilizer continued to gain traction among farmers during the quarter, while the sales of organic liquid fertilizer is expected to further accelerate during the growing season starting from May. The increase of organic liquid fertilizer sales also reflected the expansion of the Company's customer base to newly established markets in the central and southern regions of China.
  
• Excluding the non-cash gain in the fair value of warrants, gain on extinguishment of warrants, and share-based compensation, non-GAAP net income attributable to common stockholders for the second quarter of 2010 was $7.3 million, up 30.4% from $5.6 million in the same period last year. Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share were $0.37 versus $0.44 for the same quarter in 2009, but on substantially greater number of shares outstanding in the 2010 period. Diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding for the second quarter of 2010 was 19.7 million compared with 12.7 million shares in the second quarter of 2009.

Business Outlook

The Company reiterates its guidance for the year ending December 31, 2010 with

• Revenues expected to reach approximately $114 million.
  
• Non-GAAP net income, which excludes the change in the fair value of warrants issued, gain on extinguishment of warrant liability, and stock-based compensation, of approximately $23.5 million, representing a year-over-year growth of 50% and 45% on revenues and non-GAAP net income, respectively.
  
  "While we are encouraged by our solid performance in the first half of the year, we expect that the second half will be stronger as the peak farming season is unfolding and our products are gaining traction. Our balance sheet is now strengthened and we expect that our cash flow will continue to improve. With our product portfolio, growing R&D capability, nationwide distribution footprint and strong financial standing, we believe that we are well positioned to capture the wave of the organic food market growth in China," Mr. Yu Chang, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of China Agritech, concluded.

China Agritech, Inc. Receives $10 Million From Warrant Exercise by The Carlyle Group:

Mr. Yu Chang, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of China Agritech, commented, "We are pleased that The Carlyle Group has increased its investment in and commitment to China Agritech. This investment will immediately provide better visibility to our financial statements, as there will no longer be non-cash charges related to these warrants that will affect our earnings. With the new proceeds to further strengthen our balance sheet, we have ample capital to support our ongoing operations and execute our current expansion plans, especially to begin the ramp up of our distribution network in China. We look forward to extending our growth track record and maximizing value to our long-term shareholders."

June 29, 2010 (PR Newswire)

• Our Growth Strategy
   
  We believe that our increased capacity to produce organic granular compound fertilizer products, which have a lower price point and greater market appeal than our premier organic liquid compound fertilizer products, makes us well positioned to expand sales and increase revenues. We have focused on the expansion of our granular production because the market for organic granular fertilizer is almost ten times larger than the current market for organic liquid fertilizer due to the familiarity and tradition of farmers’ using granular fertilizers. In addition, the per unit amount of granular fertilizer used for sowing coverage is much higher than the amount used for liquid fertilizer. 
  
• Our goal is to further expand our products’ market share throughout the PRC by building and operating branded, large-scale distribution centers, and engage franchisees to own and operate retail chain stores which will sell our own branded products (e.g., organic fertilizers) and international and local sourced products (e.g., seeds, pesticides and other agricultural products). Our growth strategy includes the following strategies:
  
  • Continue Organic Growth Initiatives. We believe that the current fertilizer market is fragmented and represents an excellent opportunity for us to gain additional market share from our competitors, mainly chemical fertilizer manufacturers. We intend to establish branded chain stores by converting our current offices into a flagship store and distribution center and inviting our current distributors to join in our line as franchisees to operate chain stores under our brand. We also intend to leverage our strong brand, quality customer services and quality of our products to gain incremental business in the fertilizer market. Finally, we strongly believe that as we continue to grow, economies of scale and enforced brand awareness will allow us to continue to be profitable.
    
  • Expand the lines of our products. Beside our current organic fertilizers, we will seek to source, either internally or locally, other agricultural products, like seeds, pesticides, agricultural equipments and tools to expand the lines of our products to meet all the necessities of farmers in the PRC. All these products will be sold through our branded chain stores directly to farmers, who are the end customers.
    
  • Capitalize upon Strong Industry Dynamics in the PRC. Continued economic growth in the PRC, coupled with evolving government policy on preservation of farmlands by promoting use of organic fertilizers on one hand and improvement of farmers’ income on another hand, present us with significant future growth opportunities. We believe that with continued strong government commitment, we will continue to benefit from it.
    
  • Execute Strategic Acquisitions. We intend to acquire certain domestic targets that are accretive and synergistic to our growth strategy.

Ex-GeoBArgain China Agritech analyst estimates are now available.

2010 EPS estimate: $1.16
2011 EPS estimate: $1.25

In 2009 CAGC reported adjusted EPS of $1.14. Recall that we removed CAGC from the GeoBargain list on March 8, 2010.  We were considering CAGC as an investment option once again, but the current forecasted growth rate does not meet our standards.  CAGC is yet another  casualty of the dilution train that has slammed the ChinaHybrid sector.  We will revisit if the growth outlook improves.  

CAGC Remains on GeoBargain List

• Added to GeoBargain list on 8/24/2009 at $2.95 ($5.90 post 1 for 4 reverse split and a 2 for 1 forward split).
• Current price: $21.60

CAGC had a huge run from in its initial inclusion on the GeoBargain list on.  The company should report 2009 EPS of close to $1.30, giving it a trailing P/E of around 16.  Because of the stock’s low P/E, we will keep it on the GeoBargain List.  We generally remove a stock from this list if it attains a trailing P/E of 25 or a forward P/E of 15.  The company has issued strong 2010 revenue guidance. However, given the stock’s huge run, uncertainty surrounding 2010 EPS and CAGC's recently shelf offering (giving them the ability to issue stock) may make it prudent to take some profits off the table.

We do think that management has an under-promise over-deliver type of philosophy, so we will monitor developments closely for:

• News that would increase guidance such as an acquisition
• Clarity on 2010 EPS Guidance
• Trading opportunities if the stock pulls back

The GeoTeam® is speculating that China Agritech will split its stock soon.

This Notice and the accompanying Information Statement are being furnished to the stockholders of China Agritech, Inc.,  in connection with action taken by the holders of a majority of the issued and outstanding voting securities of the Company, to effect a forward split of the Company’s Common stock on the basis of two shares for every one outstanding share.

The actions to be taken pursuant to the written consent shall be taken at such future date as determined by the Board of Directors, as evidenced by the filing of the Amendment with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, but in no event earlier than the 20th day after this Information Statement is mailed or furnished to the stockholders of record as of December 22, 2009.

Source: SEC Form DEF 14C (January 8, 2010)

Mr. Yu Chang, Chief Executive Officer of China Agritech, commented, "We are encouraged by the initial results from our strategic actions to expand into the much larger market for organic granular fertilizers and extend our geographic reach into new Chinese provinces. As many Chinese farmers are more familiar with granular than liquid fertilizers, we believe that the bundle of our granular with our liquid fertilizers will continue to drive sales volume. We also anticipate our major distribution relationships in the domestic and foreign markets will add to our growth. The additional capital from Carlyle's investment strengthened our cash position and we are financially well equipped for further expansion. Carlyle will help us integrate our marketing by building marketing and distribution channels so we may more quickly penetrate targeted markets.

^a The above forecasts reflect the Company's current and preliminary views and are therefore subject to change. Please refer to the Company's Safe Harbor Statement (usually in press releases) for the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement.

^b Adjusted for a 1 for 4 reverse stock split

Source: PR Newswire (November 12, 2009)

China Agritech Inc (NASDAQ:CAGC), GeoBargain

China Agritech reported fantastic 2009 third quarter results, surpassing our expectations.

The Company also increased its full year 2009 guidance. We were a little concerned that the CAGC recently announced a private equity capital raise near its book value, but even with dilution CAGC should finish 2009 on a very positive note.

^a The above forecasts reflect the Company's current and preliminary views and are therefore subject to change. Please refer to the Company's Safe Harbor Statement (usually in press releases) for the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement.

^b Adjusted for a 1 for 4 reverse stock split.

See CAGC news release

^d Non-GAAP EPS Figures exclude certain non-operating gains and losses as well as certain non-cash items. Non-GAAP information should not be viewed in isolation or as a substitute for reported, or GAAP information .  The GeoTeam® non-GAAP figures may, from time to time,  differ from company supplied figures.

After speaking with the CGAC the GeoTeam® has made the following minor adjustments to our 2009 second quarter fully-tax adjusted EPS number and our fully tax-adjusted trailing EPS number.

• New fully-tax adjusted EPS number:  $0.18
• Old   fully-tax adjusted EPS number:  $0.19

• New adjusted trailing EPS: $0.41
• Old   adjusted trailing EPS: $0.46

These changes have been reflected in our August 24th research note.

On August 17, 2009 the GeoTeam® coded China Agritech (CAGC.OB) as a GeoSpecial. The Company reported stellar 2009 second quarter earnings, exceeding analyst EPS estimates by about $0.10.  We have recoded CAGC as a GeoBargain.

2009 Second Quarter Financial results

^a 2009 EPS includes approximately $0.02 due to a reclassification of marketing rebate of approximately $716,478 from selling expenses to net revenues.

^b CAGC plans on affecting a 4 for 1 reverse split which should help the Company qualify for an upgrade to a senior exchange.

Select Valuation Items

• Price: $3.15 (8/24/09)
• Fully Tax-Adjusted Trailing EPS: $0.41
• Tax-Adjusted P/E: 7.68
• Book Value Per Share: $2.91

The GeoTeam® owned China Agritech in the past, but sold the stock when it appeared that above average EPS growth was not materializing. Leading up to this quarter, we were largely unimpressed with the Company's recent EPS growth trend.  However, we re-established a small position in China Agritech stock based on low valuation statistics. Furthermore, the Company has an overall strong balance sheet, despite an ongoing issue with accounts receivable.  After listening to a replay of the CAGC second quarter call, the GeoTeam® believes:

• There is a good chance that the second quarter earnings per share levels may be maintained going forward, due to the accelerating contribution from its non-liquid granular fertilizer product line.
• The accounts receivable issue will soon be rectified.

Mr. Yu Chang, Chief Executive Officer of China Agritech, commented, 'We are reaping the benefits of our strategic actions to expand into the much larger market for organic granular fertilizers and extend our geographic reach into new Chinese provinces. We are excited with the growth this quarter, especially with the contribution from two of our three planned new production facilities for organic granular fertilizers. We expect the third facility will be completed by the end of 2009. We also anticipate additional sales from our major distribution relationships in the domestic and foreign markets in the second half of 2009.'

The Company has full confidence that the projected net revenue of approximately $60 million and net income attributable to the common stockholders of $9.5 million for the fiscal 2009 year will definitely be exceeded. The company is projecting the production of 20,000 tons of granular organic fertilizers in the third quarter of 2009. See Previous Guidance.

Source: PR Newswire (August 17, 2009)

Beginning on July 20, 2009, the management of China Agritech, Inc.  held one on on presentations with investors.

Presentation Materials

The Chinese government has reported that raw materials prices are gradually declining, which resulted in steadily improving market conditions for compound fertilizers in China. The Company anticipates that lower material costs will generate higher profits on its anticipated revenues.

Mr. Yu Chang, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of China Agritech, commented, 'We have taken a number of steps to position China Agritech for further growth. We expanded our marketing and distribution network within China, validated our relationship with China's largest fertilizer distribution company, Sinochem, created a diversified manufacturing base for our new organic granular fertilizer to penetrate key agricultural areas in China, and are introducing new high-margin fertilizers based on our proprietary technologies. Further, we intend to be more aggressive in enhancing growth and profits through exports and acquisitions. We look forward to the second half of 2009 as we further execute our plans to build shareholder value.'

Source: See Release

^a Company forecasts reflects the Company's current and preliminary view, which is subject to change.

^b The company did not provide EPS guidance. The GeoTeam® used the first quarter fully diluted shares outstanding of 24,699,615 to derive an implied EPS number.

Guidance Report: 

Full Year Fiscal 2008 Guidance Ending December

* The company did not provide EPS Guidance.  EPS of $0.35 was derived by using the company's shares outstanding as of the third quarter (24,699,615).

"The preliminary revenue is now lower than the previous guidance of $54 million and the preliminary net income remains unchanged from guidance. The reason for the lower revenue was mainly due to price decline and high sourcing costs for granular fertilizers in the fourth quarter."