New Potash Czar in the Making

Source: Edmonton Journal, David Marples (6/20/11)

"Russian tycoon Suleiman Kerimov is about to challenge PotashCorp's hegemony as the world's largest potash producer."

Edmonton Journal, David Marples

Last week, Russian tycoon Suleiman Kerimov arrived in Minsk, ostensibly to discuss the sale of the Belarusian potassium company (Belkali) with President Alexander Lukashenko. By the end of June, Kerimov will complete the merger of Urals Potash, with Silvinit, Russia's second-largest potash company. That move will present a challenge to the largest potash company in the world, the PotashCorp.

However, its hegemony may be about to change thanks to a financial crisis of the third-largest producer of potash, the Republic of Belarus. Following the devaluation of its currency by 56% last month, Belarus opted to sell off its most profitable company, Belaruskali.

There are in fact two companies: Belaruskali, the domestic firm, and the Belarusian Potash Company, which deals with exports. The latter is co-owned: 45% by the Belarusian state, five% by Belarusian Railroads, and 50% by the Urals Potash Company. The offer is only for the domestic company.

The question then is its value. At a news conference in Minsk on June 17, Lukashenko announced that if a bidder had $30 billion, then the company could be bought on the spot. The Belarusian leader is obviously inflating the price, unless the figure includes both domestic and export companies, but the latter is not his to sell.

Still, Kerimov, a seasoned and wily businessman with a net worth of $5.5 billion, is unlikely to toy with the figure of $30 billion.

If the buyout is successful, Kerimov will own the largest potash company in the world, and likely covet PotashCorp, which can hardly be unaware of the potential threat.

Life Sciences Co. Receives Large Livestock Feed Order from New Client in Mexico
Source: Streetwise Reports (01/27/2021)

Avivagen Inc. reported it has secured a six tonne order for OxC-beta™ Livestock from a new customer in Queretaro City, Mexico.

Intrepid Shares Grow 40% on Positive Upward Trend for 2021 Trio and Potash Prices
Source: Streetwise Reports (12/31/2020)

Shares of Intrepid Potash Inc. sprouted to a new 52-week high after the company reported that it anticipates greater demand and higher prices for its Trio® and potash products in 2021.

Life Sciences Firm Reports Year of Record Breaking Orders
Source: Streetwise Reports (12/18/2020)

Avivagen Inc. reported FY/20 audited financial results that included a 20.5% increase in YoY revenue.

Surging Agricultural Prices, $17 Trillion and Phosphate
Source: Brian Ostroff for Streetwise Reports (11/23/2020)

Brian Ostroff, managing director at Windermere Capital and CEO of Arianne Phosphate, discusses the recent rise in agricultural commodity prices and their spillover into fertilizers.

Note to Fed: Be Careful What You Wish For
Source: Michael Ballanger for Streetwise Reports (11/23/2020)

Sector expert Michael Ballanger examines the charts for commodities like soybeans and the components used in handheld electronic devices, and reflects on what they say about the future prospects of those who hold mortgages and invest in precious metals.

Large Scale Automation Comes to Cannabis
Source: Keith Schaefer for Streetwise Reports (11/02/2020)

Keith Schaefer, the Investing Whisperer, offers his analysis of the investment proposition offered by Icanic Brands, and how its ability to generate up to 1,000 pre-rolls per hour could dramatically affect the company's bottom line.

Life Sciences Firm Lands Record 4 Metric Tons Order for Antibiotic-Free Feedstock
Source: Streetwise Reports (10/14/2020)

Avivagen Inc. reported that it has received a record purchase order for its OxC-beta™ product from UNAHCO.

Life Sciences Company Posts Record Q3 Revenue Due to Successful Recurring Purchase Model
Source: Streetwise Reports (09/09/2020)

Avivagen Inc. reported unaudited financial results for Q3/20 that included record revenue and product sales volumes that nearly eclipsed FY/19 levels.

Life Sciences Company Registers First Non-Antibiotic Livestock Feed Additive Sale in Brazil
Source: Streetwise Reports (08/12/2020)

Avivagen Inc. reported it achieved its first sale of OxC-beta™ Livestock in Brazil, the world's third largest livestock feed market.

August Approaches: Accumulation, Conversation and the Promise of Silver
Source: Michael Ballanger for Streetwise Reports (07/20/2020)

In this week's advisory, sector expert Michael Ballanger reviews the most recent market news, celebrates old-school communication techniques and offers strategies for investing in the dog days of summer.