Interim / Quarterly Report • Sep 3, 2021
Interim / Quarterly Report
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Financial Results for Fiscal 1st Half 2021
Desert Control AS
Offices: Stavanger – Abu Dhabi – Dubai
Stavanger, Norway, 3 September 2021 – Desert Control AS (DSRT) today announced its H1 Report and Financial Results for the fiscal first half of 2021, ending 30 June 2021.
Desert Control is a company specialized in climate-smart agri-tech solutions to combat desertification, soil degradation, and water scarcity. Its patented Liquid Natural Clay (LNC) restores and protects soil, reducing water usage for agriculture, forests, and green landscapes.
Desert Control continued focused execution to build the foundation for operational scale-up in the first half of 2021, achieving several milestones, including:
Webcast presentation for Desert Control H1 2021 Report and Financial Results is hosted on 3 September 2021 at 10.00 AM, Central European Time (CET). Registration details on page 5.
(30 June 2020 in brackets)
Desert Control accelerated progress in the first half of 2021 after successfully completing the second year of LNC validation by the independent research organization International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA). The patented product Liquid Natural Clay (LNC) has proven to achieve 20-50% water and fertilizer savings for agricultural crops combined with yield increase from 17-62% and water savings for trees, forests, and green landscapes ranging from 35-50%.
R&D efforts further delivered results, including launching the first industrial prototype for LNC production in January 2021. The prototype proved the ability to reach the production capacities required to achieve the unit economics to support the company's business plan.
On 26 March 2021, Desert Control raised NOK 200M, followed by IPO on 14 April 2021, listing on Euronext Growth Oslo Stock Exchange under the ticker DSRT. The IPO received significant interest from Norwegian and international investors, focusing on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), sustainability, climate change, and green innovation. The capital raised will finance the company's growth plan and operational scale-up in the United Arab Emirates and further enable market expansion to the United States.
On 8 June 2021, Desert Control was awarded its first commercial contract with the agriculture and nature conservation giant Mawarid Holding in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The initial contract value is NOK 3.4M and includes implementing Liquid Natural Clay (LNC) for agriculture and forestry applications,serving as a pilot for collaboration and potentialstrategic partnership. In anticipation of a successful pilot, Mawarid and Desert Control has entered an MoU with the intention to establish a strategic partnership for the region. Mawarid employs over 11,000 staff and owns a fleet of more than 3,000 vehicles, specialty equipment, and machinery for their forestry and agriculture operations, all of which are highly suitable for LNC deployment.
During the first half, several pre-commercial pilots exceeded KPI's for water savings. The pilot for ≈1,000 m2 of a 200-hectare VIP property in Abu Dhabi delivered 35% water savings. The In5 Tech pilot with Tecom Group and Dubai Holding maintained >45% water savings, and another pilot for improving the sustainability of trees and forest came in at 50% water savings.
On 18 June 2021, Desert Control won the prestigious award for green innovation for its Liquid Natural Clay (LNC) at the global climate impact event Greentech Festival.
On 27 June 2021, the second prototype for LNC production passed initial tests, running at a capacity of ≈15,000 l/h. The prototype was scheduled for training of personnel in its operation in time to prepare for the Mawarid project. Total production capacity including previous equipment was end of H1 ≈25,000 l/h, sufficient to deliver for the upcoming Mawarid project. Production and application of LNC for Mawarid may experience some Covid related delays, and delivery is expected to continue into the last half of September for the first pilot phase.
Desert Control maintains a solid net cash position of NOK 204M as of 30 June 2021, and EBITDA was NOK -8.2M [vs. NOK -2,6M for H1-2020], primarily reflecting the scale-up of organization and increased activity level in 2021 compared to a Covid affected 2020. Despite continued Covid impact on business operations in 2021, overall organization, technology, and production capacity development progress according to plan with some Covid related delays.
The financial R&D grant from Innovation Norway contributed to offset payroll costs by NOK 1M and reduced net R&D investment costs by NOK 3.4M. Grants worth NOK 7.5M remain available to offset further R&D investment costs for the second half of 2021.
Desert Control targets significant acceleration of operational scale-up, execution of projects, and market activities during the second half of 2021. Key objectives include:
The initial pilot project valued at NOK 3.4M is underway. Implementation is planned through September (Covid related delays can occur). During October, water-savings KPI reports are expected. In parallel, Desert Control and Mawarid will prepare agreements and business structure for the strategic partnership to be established pending a successful pilot outcome.
Mawarid manages more than 200,000 hectares of nature conservation land, 13 million trees, and 80 farms. Mawarid is further dedicated to significant national food security, climate resilience, and sustainability initiatives in the region. In partnership, Desert Control and Mawarid aim to serve the entire UAE market and wider Middle-East and North Africa region.
During the second half of 2021, Desert Control aims to convert some of the recent pilots into commercial contracts. Opportunities include the 200-hectare VIP property in Abu Dhabi, parks and landscapes of Tecom/Dubai Holding, a green community project in Dubai, and farmlands.
Production capacity is expected to increase by ≈150,000 l/h in 2nd half. Two units(≈30,000 l/h) are expected ready by Q4, and 2 clusters of 4 units each (≈120,000 l/h) by the end of the year.
During the second half, the organization is expected to grow by approximately 40 FTEs to ensure capacity to execute critical priorities, operate units, and deliver projects. Majority share of new hires are field workforce and operators, and the associated costs are in line with plan.
Desert Control US subsidiary will be established during Q4 2021. The company will thereafter hire its first US based FTEs to prepare for planned activities in California, Arizona, and Nevada, including a field study with Arizona University.
Powered by operational data, an updated ESG and impact reporting framework will be under development during Q4 to align with ESG reporting standards for investors and stakeholders.
Desert Control is well funded for future development and growth. The nature of the business allows flexibility for investments and cost to be aligned with customer demand and revenue.
Desert Control H1 2021 Report and Financial Results
Desert Control is hosting a webcast presentation following its H1 2021 Report and Financial Results on Friday, 3 September 2021, at 10:00 AM Central European Time (Oslo).
Registration: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN\_5vS6HEhaQbiCjl9L63ZGcw
After the presentation, there will be a moderated question and answers session. Questions for Q&A can be submitted in advance to [email protected]
Desert Control is a company specialized in climate-smart Agri-tech solutions to combat desertification, soil degradation, and water scarcity. Its patented Liquid Natural Clay restores and protects soil, reducing water usage for agriculture, forests, and green landscapes.
Liquid Natural Clay (LNC) enables sand and degraded soil to retain water and nutrients. LNC increases crop yields while reducing water and fertilizer consumption by up to 50%.
For more information, please contact:
Chief Executive Officer Email: [email protected] Mobile: +47 957 77 777 UAE: +971 52 521 7049
Disclaimer related to forward-looking statements
This release contains forward-looking information and statements relating to the business, performance, and items that may be interpreted to impact the results of Desert Control and/or the industry and markets in which Desert Control operates.
Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and may be identified by words such as "aims", "anticipates", "believes", "estimates", "expects", "foresees", "intends", "plans", "predicts", "projects", "targets", and similar expressions. Such forwardlooking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections, reflect current views with respect to future events, and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, and may be subject to change without notice.
Forward-looking statements are not guaranteeing any future performance, and risks, uncertainties and other important factors could cause the actual business, performance, results or the industry and markets in which Desert Control operates in to differ materially from the statements expressed or implied in this release by such forward-looking statements.
No representation is made that any of these forward-looking statements or forecasts will come to pass or that any forecasted performance, capacities, or results will be achieved, and you are cautioned not to place any undue reliance on any forward-looking statements.
The information enclosed is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 in the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.
Management and the Board of Directors have considered and approved the interim consolidated financial statements of Desert Control AS ("the Company") and its subsidiaries (collectively, "the Group") for the fiscal first half-year ended 30 June 2021. The interim report, which has not been audited by the Company's independent auditor, has been prepared in accordance with NGAAP (Norwegian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles), Accounting Act, and NRS 8 (Good Accounting Practice for Small Companies), and interim financial reporting requirements for Euronext listed companies. The same accounting policies and methods of computation are followed in the interim financial statements as compared with the most recent annual financial statement issued on 1 March 2021.
In our opinion, the accounting policies used are appropriate, and the interim report gives an accurate and fair view of the Company's consolidated financial position as of 30 June 2021. In our opinion, Management's review provides an accurate and fair presentation of performance, developments, and results for the respective fiscal period, and overall financial position of the Group's operation in addition to a description of the most significant risks and elements of uncertainty facing the Group. Notwithstanding the disclosures included in the interim report, no changes in the Group's most significant risks and uncertainties have occurred relative to the disclosures in the Information Document filed for the listing on Euronext Growth Oslo Stock Exchange, last published with completed annexes on 11 June 2021.
Sandnes, Norway, 3 September 2021
KNUT NESSE Chairman of the Board
KRISTIAN P. OLESEN Member of the Board BRAGE W. JOHANSEN Member of the Board
ARNFINN MATRE Member of the Board
MARIT RØED ØDEGAARD Member of the Board
GEIR HJELLVIK Member of the Board
OLE KRISTIAN SIVERTSEN Chief Executive Officer
Interim group consolidated financial statements (pages 7-12 including notes)
Unaudited NOK (in thousands)
| For the six months ended | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 June 2021 | 30 June 2020 | ||
| Total Revenue | 821 | ||
| Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) | 194 | 4 | |
| Gross Margin | (194) | 817 | |
| Payroll | 4 047 | 2 809 | |
| Other Expenses | 3 997 | 635 | |
| Operating Expenses | 8 044 | 3 443 | |
| EBITDA | (8 238) | (2 626) | |
| Depreciation | 126 | ||
| EBIT | (8 364) | (2 626) | |
| Finance Expenses | (356) | (5) | |
| Net Income | (8 009) | (2 621) |
Overview of the company's business activities, business model, revenue sources, market segments, geographic regions, and corporate structure is described under "Note 1" page 10.
EBITDA: Earnings Before Interest Taxes Depreciations and Amortizations EBIT: Earnings Before Interests and Taxes
Unaudited NOK (in thousands)
| For the six months ended | ||
|---|---|---|
| 30 June 2021 | 30 June 2020 | |
| Fixed assets | ||
| Research & development | 7 566 | 3 441 |
| Goodwill | 6 413 | 6 562 |
| Total intangible assets | 13 979 | 10 003 |
| Machinery and equipment | 1 059 | 1 188 |
| Equipment and other movables | 740 | 197 |
| Total tangible assets | 1 799 | 1 385 |
| Total fixed assets | 15 778 | 11 388 |
| Current assets | ||
| Debtors | - | - |
| Other short-term receivables | 10 383 | 2 002 |
| Total receivables | 10 383 | 2 002 |
| Fixed income funds | 90 000 | - |
| Cash and bank deposits | 114 552 | 28 935 |
| Total current assets | 214 934 | 30 937 |
| Total assets | 230 712 | 42 325 |
| Equity | ||
| Share capital (40 626 639 shares at 0.003) | 122 | 70 |
| Other paid-up capital | 230 845 | 40 994 |
| Total paid-up equity | 230 967 | 41 064 |
| Retained earnings | (10 118) | (2 090) |
| Total equity | 220 849 | 38 974 |
| Liabilities | ||
| Current debt | ||
| Trade creditors | 1 339 | 838 |
| Public duties payable | (558) | 363 |
| Other current debt | 9 082 | 2 151 |
| Total current debt | 9 863 | 3 351 |
| Total liabilities | 9 863 | 3 351 |
| Total assets, equity, and liabilities | 230 712 | 42 325 |
Unaudited NOK (in thousands)
| For the six months ended | |
|---|---|
| 30 June 2021 | |
| Cash flow from operating activities | |
| Profit before taxes | (8 009) |
| Taxed paid | - |
| Depreciation and amortization | 126 |
| Changes in working capital | (1 869) |
| Cash used in operating activities | (9 751) |
| Cash flow from investment activities | |
| Investments in research and development, gross | (7 500) |
| Soft funding from Innovation Norway / skattefunn | 3 375 |
| Investments in research and development, net | (4 125) |
| Investments in good will | 149 |
| Investments in fixed assets | (414) |
| Investments in fixed income funds | (90 000) |
| Net cash used in investment activities | (94 389) |
| Cash flow from financing activities | |
| Net borrowing | |
| Capital injection | 189 903 |
| Net cash flow from financing activities | 189 903 |
| Net change in cash equivalents | 85 763 |
| Net foreign exchange differences | (112) |
| Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 28 935 |
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 114 585
Unaudited NOK (in thousands) except per share amounts
Desert Control is a company specialized in climate-smart agri-tech solutions to combat desertification, soil degradation, and water scarcity. Its patented Liquid Natural Clay restores and protects soil, reducing water usage for agriculture, forests, and green landscapes.
Liquid Natural Clay (LNC) enables sand and degraded soil to retain water and nutrients. LNC increases crop yields while reducing water and fertilizer consumption by up to 50%.
Desert Control's business model is service-based and targets turnkey projects for LNC treatment of land areas, vegetation, crops, plants and trees etc. LNC is produced on-site at customer locations using mobile factories. Further, the LNC is applied across the customer's land areas using existing irrigation systems and techniques. LNC is sprayed or applied directly onto the surface and percolates into the ground forming a soil structure that retains water and nutrient like a sponge. One LNC treatment may last 3-5 years, followed by periodic top-up to maintain the optimal ability to retain water and nutrients. The Company's revenue model is pre-paid project deliveries direct (B2B) to customers within the segments; agriculture, forestry, and landscaping. Project pricing considers size of land, type of vegetation, crops, number of trees, etc. Additional revenue sources may come from (1) periodic maintenance and (2) digital subscription services related to soil health monitoring, water management optimization, and digital farming services for precision agriculture and sustainable land management.
Desert Control AS is a private limited liability company incorporated under the laws of Norway. The Group has active subsidiaries in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the United Arab Emirates.
United Arab Emirates is Desert Control's first geographic market, to be followed by broader expansion in the Middle East region. In 2022 the Company aims to expand operations to the United States, focusing on California, Arizona, and Nevada. More than 110 countries worldwide suffer accelerating desertification, loss of fertile soil, and water scarcity. Desert Control's ambition is to develop a global business with its vision of making earth green again.
The interim report, which has not been audited by the Company's independent auditor, has been prepared in accordance with NGAAP (Norwegian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles), the Accounting Act, and NRS 8 (Good Accounting Practice for Small Companies), and interim financial reporting requirements for Euronext listed companies. The same accounting policies and methods of computation are followed in the interim financial statements as compared with the most recent annual financialstatement issued 1 March 2021.
Unaudited NOK (in thousands)
| Plant, machinery, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| fixtures | R&D | Goodwill | |
| Net acquisition costs 31.12.20 | 1 520 | 3 441 | 6 562 |
| + inflow purchased fixed assets | 414 | 7 500 | |
| + other adjustments | (149) | ||
| - Innovasjon Norge grants & skattefunn | (3 375) | ||
| Acquisition costs 30.06.2021 | 1 934 | 7 566 | 6 413 |
| Accumulated depreciation 30.06.2021 | 135 | - | - |
| Book value 30.06.2021 | 1 799 | 7 566 | 6 413 |
| This year's ordinary depreciations | 126 | - | - |
| Economic life | 3-5 years | 10 years |
The company has not yet started depreciating R&D
The goodwill represents the unallocated purchase price of the Desert Control UAE business and it is not amortized as the value is deemed intact as per 30.06.2021
Unaudited NOK (in thousands)
| 30.06.2021 | 31.12.2020 | |
|---|---|---|
| Bank deposits | 44 251 | 28 697 |
| Bank deposits redeemable at 30 days | 60 100 | |
| Bank deposits redeemable at 90 days | 10 000 | |
| Tax deduction account | 201 | 238 |
| Total bank deposits | 114 552 | 28 935 |
| Fixed Income funds | ||
| Fixed income funds can be redeemed at short notice | 90 000 | |
| The total liquidity represented by bank deposits and funds | 204 552 | 28 935 |
Unaudited NOK (in thousands)
| Share capital | Share premium | Total equity | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| As at 01.01.2021 | 70 | 38 974 | 39 044 | |
| Result for the year | (8 009) | (8 009) | ||
| Capital increase gross | 52 | 199 946 | 199 998 | |
| Cost of capital increase | (10 098) (10 098) |
|||
| Other adjustments | 35 | |||
| Equity as of 30.06.2021 | 122 | 220 848 | 220 935 |
| Shareholder | Number of shares | % of total |
|---|---|---|
| OLESEN CONSULT HVAC AS | 5 900 000 | 14,52 |
| JAKOB HATTELAND HOLDING AS | 2 154 715 | 5,30 |
| MONSUNEN FORVALTNING AS | 2 154 715 | 5,30 |
| J.P. Morgan Bank Luxembourg S.A. | 1 881 950 | 4,63 |
| KONTRARI AS | 1 750 000 | 4,30 |
| OLESEN | 1 650 000 | 4,06 |
| BEYOND CENTAURI AS | 1 543 371 | 3,79 |
| JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., London | 1 500 000 | 3,69 |
| NESSE & CO AS | 1 360 000 | 3,34 |
| LITHINON AS | 1 355 431 | 3,33 |
| INVESTORE FINANS AS | 1 283 147 | 3,15 |
| DnB NOR Bank ASA | 1 283 147 | 3,15 |
| IDLAND | 1 135 843 | 2,79 |
| KRISTIAN FALNES AS | 1 075 000 | 2,64 |
| CACEIS Bank | 1 026 518 | 2,52 |
| SOBER AS | 855 431 | 2,10 |
| LIN AS | 855 431 | 2,10 |
| URBAN COWBOY AS | 590 000 | 1,45 |
| OKS CONSULTING AS | 560 000 | 1,37 |
| SORTUN INVEST AS | 527 715 | 1,29 |
| Total number owned by top 20 | 30 442 414 | 74,93 |
| Total numbers of shares | 40 626 639 | 100 |
Impact on External Environment and Sustainability
Liquid Natural Clay (LNC) can reduce water consumption for agriculture, forests, and green landscapes by up to 50%. The amount of water required to produce LNC is recovered within 2-3 weeks (offset by irrigation water savings). Increased crop yields with improved water efficiency contribute significantly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs), including reducing hunger and securing access to clean water. Arid regions using energyintensive desalination of seawater can further significantly reduce CO2 and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
LNC enables sandy soil and desert land to retain water and nutrients. Reduction of water consumption further allows for reducing fertilizer usage. Reduced leaching of fertilizers and pesticides through the soil can further minimize the risk of chemical run-off reaching through to natural water systems and oceans. Stopping fertilizer and pesticide leaching can further improve life below the water by reducing ocean acidification and eutrophication.
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), restoring degraded soil ecosystems can globally offset 5-6 Gt of CO2 annually. Even degraded soils have degrees of stored carbon. When tilling or mechanically working amendments into the ground, carbon exposed to oxygen may turn into CO2 and escape into the atmosphere. LNC can be applied directly to the surface of the ground without intervention to the soil. LNC percolates into the ground in a non-intrusive way without exposing any carbon to surface air oxygen;safeguarding the carbon storage of soil ecosystems and fostering increased carbon sequestration.
Non-intrusive soil treatment is further gentle to fragile soil-ecosystems, which is the home of 95% of all biological species on earth. Reclaiming and protecting soil is therefore critical to preserve and restore essential biodiversity.
Mining clay and the production of LNC requires energy. Logistics and transportation of material, equipment, and personnel, and manufacturing of equipment also require energy. Desert Control strives to reduce energy consumption in all stages of the process and facilitate the use of renewable energy sources wherever available. These negative impact factors are, by far, surpassed by the sum of positive impact from stopping and reversing desertification and soil degradation, reducing water consumption, and other environmental benefits.
LNC has no adverse impact on any of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Further, LNC has a significant direct positive impact on 9 of the SDGs.
Powered by operational data, an updated ESG and impact reporting framework will be under development during Q4 to align with ESG reporting standards for investors and stakeholders.
https://www.desertcontrol.com/investors
Making Earth Green Again
Offices: Stavanger – Abu Dhabi – Dubai
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