Q: Happy New Year Peter & Team :
I am interested in the micro-cap company Input Capital Corp INP.V I read with interest your answer to Owen dated October 06, 2013 and wonder if you have any additional information.
They lend money to canola farmers in exchange for 6 year contracts giving Input the right to buy a certain percentage of the crop for an average price of $79.05 per ton which the farmer then delivers to the grain elevator who in turn pays Input the prevailing price for canola, currently about $450 per tonne.
The canola price has ranged from about $250/tonne to over $700/tonne over the last 10 years. I cannot determine whether Input engages in futures trading or not to hedge their expected profits, nor whether this could be a good practice or not.
This looks like an excellent business based on a proven business model and has enormous potential growth. Supposedly crop insurance protects Input in case of a crop disaster, and there is perennial global demand for the canola. They currently have 10 signed contracts worth $18.1 million, about $767,000 cash in hand, and no debt.
The issue I see is the cost of capital to Input, and whether there will be future share dilution. If Input can borrow at a reasonable rate [5-6%] it should go well but if Input are borrowing at 10% or higher it may not be economic. Can you find out the relevant facts on this company for me and give me your valued opinion.
Many thanks... Paul
I am interested in the micro-cap company Input Capital Corp INP.V I read with interest your answer to Owen dated October 06, 2013 and wonder if you have any additional information.
They lend money to canola farmers in exchange for 6 year contracts giving Input the right to buy a certain percentage of the crop for an average price of $79.05 per ton which the farmer then delivers to the grain elevator who in turn pays Input the prevailing price for canola, currently about $450 per tonne.
The canola price has ranged from about $250/tonne to over $700/tonne over the last 10 years. I cannot determine whether Input engages in futures trading or not to hedge their expected profits, nor whether this could be a good practice or not.
This looks like an excellent business based on a proven business model and has enormous potential growth. Supposedly crop insurance protects Input in case of a crop disaster, and there is perennial global demand for the canola. They currently have 10 signed contracts worth $18.1 million, about $767,000 cash in hand, and no debt.
The issue I see is the cost of capital to Input, and whether there will be future share dilution. If Input can borrow at a reasonable rate [5-6%] it should go well but if Input are borrowing at 10% or higher it may not be economic. Can you find out the relevant facts on this company for me and give me your valued opinion.
Many thanks... Paul
