Evogene Q3 2024 Earnings Report

Evogene EPS Results

• Actual EPS: -$1.31
• Consensus EPS: N/A
• Beat/Miss: N/A
• One Year Ago EPS: N/A

Evogene Revenue Results

• Actual Revenue: N/A
• Expected Revenue: N/A
• Beat/Miss: N/A
• YoY Revenue Growth: N/A

Evogene Announcement Details

• Quarter: Q3 2024
• Date: 11/21/2024
• Time: Before Market Opens
• Conference Call Date: Thursday, November 21, 2024
• Conference Call Time: 9:00AM ET

Evogene (NASDAQ:EVGN) is a biotechnology company specializing in the use of computational and predictive biology technologies to design and develop novel products for agriculture and human health. Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Rehovot, Israel, the company has built a proprietary computational platform that integrates genomics, machine learning and data analytics to identify gene targets and biological traits. Evogene’s platform serves as the backbone for its research and development efforts, enabling the discovery of enhanced crop traits, microbial solutions and microbiome-based diagnostics and therapeutics.

In the agricultural sector, Evogene applies its platform to improve crop performance across a range of parameters, including yield enhancement, stress tolerance and resistance to pests and pathogens. The company’s ag biotech pipeline encompasses both gene products and microbial strains, with programs targeting major crops such as corn, wheat and soybean. Simultaneously, Evogene is expanding into the human health arena through its microbiome business units, which aim to develop diagnostic tools and therapeutic candidates that leverage beneficial microorganisms to address gastrointestinal and metabolic disorders.

Evogene collaborates with leading global partners in the agrochemical and life sciences industries, licensing its computationally discovered assets for further development and commercialization. These partnerships extend across North America, Europe and Asia, supporting field trials and clinical studies. The company maintains an extensive intellectual property portfolio covering its platform technologies and product candidates. Evogene trades on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol EVGN and continues to advance its pipeline through a combination of in-house research, strategic alliances and third-party collaborations.

Evogene Q3 2024 Earnings Call Transcript

Key Takeaways

• Total revenues for the first nine months of 2024 rose to approximately $6.9 million (vs. $5.1 million in 2023), despite Q3 2024 revenues dipping to $1.8 million due to the absence of a one‐time license fee; the company expects continued revenue growth in 2024 driven by Castera’s seed orders.
• In August 2024 Evogene closed a $5.5 million fundraising, implemented a 16% headcount reduction and expects a cash runway of over one year, with projected 2024 cash usage (excluding LaVie Bio and Biomica) of $8–$10 million.
• Evogene and Google Cloud launched a collaboration to build a generative AI foundation model for novel small molecule design—expanding the training set from 6 million to 40 billion molecules—to accelerate drug discovery and sustainable crop protection.
• Castera’s subsidiary achieved key seed production milestones in Kenya and Brazil, including the first shipment of over 100 tons of castor seeds from Kenya, and is on track to fulfill a significant portion of 2024 orders by year‐end.
• Subsidiaries continued to advance: LaVie Bio’s Yalos expanded into winter wheat with initial sales and showed promising soybean seed treatment results, while Biomica’s BMC-128 Phase 1 trial reported prolonged responses in five patients as it prepares for IND submission.

Presentation

[Company Representative at Evogene Ltd]

Welcome to Evogene's Third Quarter Results Conference Call. All participants are present in listen-only mode. Following management's formal presentation, we will open the question and answer session. You may send questions via chat. Please type your name and company before your question. As a reminder, this conference is being recorded, November 21st, 2024. This presentation contains forward-looking statements relating to future events, and Evogene Ltd. may, from time to time, make other statements regarding our outlook or expectations of future financial or operating results and/or other matters regarding or affecting us that are considered forward-looking statements as defined in the US Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other securities laws as amended. Statements that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements.

[Company Representative at Evogene Ltd]

Such forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of such words as believe, expect, anticipate, should, planned, estimated, intend, and potential, or words of similar meaning. We are using forward-looking statements in this presentation when we discuss Evogene's strategy and vision, Evogene's value proposition and ability to identify and optimize candidates, enhance the likelihood of achieving breakthrough products within competitive timelines and in a cost-effective way, Evogene's partnerships and Evogene's ability to harness value and leverage, Compass AI, the expected timing of and ability of Casterra to supply purchase orders, the expected timing of Lavie Bio's sale, AgPlenus pipeline, Biomica's BMC128's future activity, and Evogene's projected cash usage for 2024, and Evogene anticipated continued revenue growth in for 2024.

[Company Representative at Evogene Ltd]

Such statements are based on current expectations, estimates, projections, and assumptions, describe opinions about future events, involve certain risks and uncertainties which are difficult to predict and are not guarantees of future performance. Readers are cautioned that certain important factors may affect the company's actual results and could cause such results to differ materially from any forward-looking statements that may be made in this presentation.

[Company Representative at Evogene Ltd]

Therefore, actual future results, performance or achievements, and trends in the future may differ materially from what is expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements due to a variety of factors, many of which are beyond our control, including without limitation the current war between Israel, Hamas, and Hezbollah, and any worsening of the situation in Israel, such as further mobilizations or escalation in the northern border of Israel, those described in greater detail in Evogene's annual report on Form 20-F and in other information Evogene files and furnishes with the Israel Securities Authority and the US Securities and Exchange Commission, including those factors under the heading risk factors.

[Company Representative at Evogene Ltd]

Except as required by applicable securities laws, we disclaim any obligation or commitment to update any information contained in this presentation or to publicly release the results of any revisions to any statements that may be made to reflect future events or developments or changes in expectations, estimates, projections, and assumptions. The information contained herein does not constitute a prospectus or other offering document, nor does it constitute or form part of any invitation to offer to sell or any solicitation of any invitation or offer to purchase or subscribe for any securities of Evogene or the company, nor shall any information or any part of it or the fact of its distribution form the basis of or be relied on in connection with any contract, commitment, or relating thereto or to the securities of Evogene or the company.

[Operator]

With us on the line will be Yaron Eldad, CFO of Evogene, and Ofer Haviv, President and CEO of Evogene. Now, I will turn the call over to Ofer Haviv. Mr. Haviv, please go ahead.

[Ofer Haviv, CEO at Evogene Ltd]

Good day, everyone. In today's conference call, I will begin with a review of the financial and business highlights for the third quarter, followed by an overview of Evogene's activities. I will then conclude with recent achievements by our subsidiaries since the last analyst call. After my remarks, Yaron Eldad, Evogene CFO, will provide a financials update on Q3 activities. We will then open a Q&A session. Let us begin with the financial and business highlights. In the first nine months of 2024, total revenues reached approximately $6.9 million compared to approximately $5.1 million in the first nine months of 2023. In Q3 2024, total revenues reached approximately $1.8 million compared to approximately $3.8 million in Q3 2023. The revenues in Q3 2024 are mainly based on Casterra's seeds sale. The revenues in Q3 2023 included a license fee payment of $2.5 million received by Lavie Bio.

[Ofer Haviv, CEO at Evogene Ltd]

For the full year 2024, Evogene anticipates continued revenue growth compared to the previous year, mainly due to Casterra's supply of existing seed orders. G&A expenses in Q3 2024 included expenses of approximately $1.4 million resulting from Evogene's fundraising and an allowance for doubtful debt from one of Casterra's seed suppliers. The remaining G&A expenses in Q3 2024 amounted to approximately $1.5 million unchanged compared to Q3 2023. In the first nine months of 2024, operating loss was approximately $17.6 million, which included the G&A expenses of approximately $1.5 million due to Evogene fundraising and allowance for doubtful debt mentioned above, and other expenses of approximately $0.5 million compared to approximately $18.9 million in the first nine months of 2023. In the first nine months of 2024, financing expenses net were approximately $0.38 million compared to financing income of $2.3 million in the first nine months of 2023.

[Ofer Haviv, CEO at Evogene Ltd]

The financing expenses in the first nine months of 2024 net included $0.88 million expenses related to accounting treatment of warrants issued as part of Evogene's fundraising. Projected cash usage for 2024 without Biomica and Lavie Bio is approximately $8-$10 million compared to $12.5 million in 2023. In August 2024, Evogene completed a fundraising totaling of $5.5 million in gross proceeds, including ordinary shares and two series of warrants. The company has taken measures to strengthen its cash position by reducing its expenses, including a reduction of 16% in its headcount, and is exploring additional business opportunities to inject funds into the company and its subsidiaries. Now, I would like to highlight the main achievements made by Evogene Group this quarter and up to date.

[Ofer Haviv, CEO at Evogene Ltd]

Starting with Evogene, in October, Evogene announced a unique collaboration with Google Cloud to pioneer a generative AI foundation model for novel small molecule design. This collaboration aimed to position Compass AI tech engines in the forefront of generating and optimizing novel small molecules structured with specific desired properties. I will elaborate on the collaboration later in the presentation. In addition, with respect to collaborations for product development with external parties, we received a grant approval from the Israel Innovation Authority for the second year in the collaboration with Watershede and Ben-Gurion University to improve crustacean traits using CRISPR technology. This technology is embedded in our generator AI tech engine. Now, let's move to Casterra. The third quarter marked a significant milestone for Casterra with the solidification of a reliable seed production infrastructure in Kenya and Brazil.

[Ofer Haviv, CEO at Evogene Ltd]

In July, Casterra announced the completion of growing and harvesting season in Brazil, and seed shipments have already been initiated. With respect to the seed production in Africa, Casterra achieved key milestones in its operational expansion and completed its first shipment of over 100 tons of its castor seeds, which were growing and processed in Kenya. It is now harvesting season in Africa, with completion expected by the first quarter of 2025. This current season will support existing and future seed demands. Casterra is expected to supply a significant portion of its existing seed orders by the end of 2024. Casterra and its business partner are currently discussing the supply schedule, quantity, and seed varieties of the remainder of the orders and future orders for 2025. Continue with Lavie Bio.

[Ofer Haviv, CEO at Evogene Ltd]

In recent months, the company presented an impressive expansion with its first commercial product, Yalos, a bio-inoculant used as seed treatment. In July, Lavie Bio announced the commercial expansion of Yalos to winter wheat with initial sales this past quarter and in November to soybean with initial sales expected in spring 2025. Additionally, Lavie Bio advanced LAV321, a bio-fungicide targeting downy mildew, to a pre-commercialization following successful field trial results. Moving to AgPlenus, the main achievement of the past quarter was in the company's internal pipeline, which is separated from its collaboration with external parties, Bayer and Corteva.

[Ofer Haviv, CEO at Evogene Ltd]

AgPlenus initiated a new fungicide program focusing on Septoria, a fungus affecting crops worldwide. Three proteins predicted by Compass AI as targets were verified to be essential in Septoria. Additionally, AgPlenus identified in silico around 1,000 compounds that are predicted to be effective in the protein targets and are now being tested. I will end this part with Biomica's highlights.

[Ofer Haviv, CEO at Evogene Ltd]

The phase I clinical study for microbiome-based therapeutics, BMC128, is near completion with prolonged positive response of five patients. Biomica had a pre-IND meeting earlier this year with positive feedback from the FDA and is continuing with the preparation for the IND submission. I will provide more details on the achievement of each subsidiary later in the presentation. Moving on to the review of Evogene. Our vision is to position Evogene as a pioneering company in the development of groundbreaking life science products rooted in microbes, small molecules, and genomics. To realize this vision, we have concentrated on integrating life science expertise with advanced big data and state-of-the-art computational technologies. This approach led to the development of our three proprietary AI tech engines, each designed to drive the effective discovery and optimization of life science products.

[Ofer Haviv, CEO at Evogene Ltd]

MicroBoost AI directs and accelerates the development of microbe-based products, Compass AI for small molecule-based products, and Generator AI for products based on genetic elements. Our AI-driven tech engines offer strong value propositions by efficiently identifying and optimizing the most promising candidates. This enhanced the likelihood of achieving breakthrough products within competitive timelines and in a cost-effective way. To maintain the competitive advantage of our AI tech engines, Evogene continuously invests in enhancement and the addition of new applications and capabilities. This commitment is exemplified by our recent collaboration with Google Cloud to develop an advanced generative AI foundation model for small molecules design. The collaboration leverages Evogene's deep expertise in computational predictive biology and chemistry alongside Google Cloud's leadership in AI and machine learning.

[Ofer Haviv, CEO at Evogene Ltd]

Building on the successful integration of Compass AI into Google Cloud, this collaboration will now focus on expanding the value of our tech engine by creating a cutting-edge foundation model. This model will be designed to generate and optimize innovative small molecule structures with better specific desired properties by expanding the training set for the model from six million molecules to 40 billion molecules. The primary objective of this initiative is to improve and accelerate the discovery and development of new small molecules for drug developments, sustainable crop protection, and other innovative applications across various life science sectors. The significant expansion of the model training set will lead to the following key benefits: innovative molecules more accurately addressing the specific product requirements, shortening development timelines, and enhanced cost efficiency.

[Ofer Haviv, CEO at Evogene Ltd]

I want to emphasize that the foundation model, which will be integrated into Compass AI, will remain the exclusive property of Evogene. Our proven track record in computational biology and chemistry, combined with Google Cloud's AI expertise, creates compelling value propositions for companies aiming to improve their R&D and gain a competitive edge in the market. Our three AI tech engines were strategically designed to align with the best potential across multiple market segments rather than being confined to a single area. While this technology holds exceptional promise, each market segment demands specialized expertise for product development alongside significant financial resources and advanced development and production infrastructure. To effectively harness the value embedded in our technology, considering the mentioned requirements, we have implemented a targeted business strategy tailored to address those needs. Our business strategy is designed to maximize potential while minimizing risk.

[Ofer Haviv, CEO at Evogene Ltd]

This is by establishing a diverse network of collaborative partnerships for life science product development. We partner with experts in complementary fields, forming licensing or collaboration agreements with companies that bring domain-specific knowledge, such as in pharmaceuticals or agritech. Through this strategic alliance, we aim to co-develop innovative products. The upside for Evogene's teams is from revenue-sharing mechanisms of the end product or through equity holding in the company developing the end product. Here is a current snapshot of our business model. Evogene currently owns four subsidiary companies, each focused on a specific market segment. In market segments not covered by our subsidiaries, we have established collaboration with external companies. Starting this past quarter, we have increased our efforts to establish partnerships with companies specializing in small molecule drug development, leveraging the unique capabilities of Compass AI.

[Ofer Haviv, CEO at Evogene Ltd]

To support this strategic focus, we have strengthened the business development team with a dedicated business development manager with the clear objective of generating new business opportunities for Evogene in this segment. Additionally, as part of our collaborative initiatives in areas beyond the focus of our subsidiaries, we recently announced, alongside Colors Farm, formerly Colors Farm, and Ben-Gurion University, the approval of a second-year grant to advance our joint project aimed at enhancing resilient traits through gene editing technology. In the second year, the collaboration will focus on scaling up CRISPR technology for the industrial production of compounds with plans to extend this advancement to additional resilient species. This slide highlights the commercial and financial partners engaged with the Evogene group. We are proud of the progress and achievements we have made today. Now, I will review our subsidiaries' activity and achievements.

[Ofer Haviv, CEO at Evogene Ltd]

I would like to begin with Casterra, Evogene's wholly-owned subsidiary focused on developing an integrated solution for the large-scale commercial cultivation of castor, leveraging its unique elite seed varieties. Casterra's solution is designed to meet the global demand for a stable castor oil supply, mainly for the biofuels and bio-based products. The company is utilizing the Generator AI tech engine to drive and accelerate the development of its distinct elite castor seed varieties. The third quarter marked a significant milestone for Casterra, as its investment and efforts to establish a reliable seed production infrastructure in Kenya and Brazil began to show positive results. In July, the company successfully completed the growing and harvesting season in Brazil. More recently, Casterra finalized the establishment of a seed production facility in Kenya, which now supports the processing of seeds grown and harvested in Africa to meet the company's needs.

[Ofer Haviv, CEO at Evogene Ltd]

Casterra is now in a mid-harvesting season in Africa. Due to the extended rain season, the company expected the harvest to be completed by early next year. The seed being produced during this cycle will support both current and future demand. Casterra is expected to supply a significant portion of its existing seed orders by the end of 2024, mainly through the seed production operations in Kenya. Currently, Casterra and its business partners are discussing the supply schedule, quantity, and seed varieties of the remainder of the orders and future orders for 2025. Continuing with Lavie Bio, a global leader in developing next-generation agrobiological products powered by the MicroBoost AI tech engine. Since our last call, Lavie Bio has achieved two significant milestones with its first commercial product, Yalos, a bio-inoculant for row crops.

[Ofer Haviv, CEO at Evogene Ltd]

First, the product has expanded to winter wheat, with initial sales to growers starting this past quarter. More notably, recent positive results have been obtained for Yalos as a seed treatment for soybean, one of the most important crops in agriculture. Initial sales to soybean growers in North America are expected to begin in the spring of 2025. Another key development in Lavie Bio's product pipeline is the advancement of LAV321, a bio-fungicide targeting downy mildew, which has now reached the pre-commercialization stage following successful field trial results. This is for the third consecutive year. I was also very pleased when Lavie Bio announced in July a major milestone in their collaboration with ICL. Within just 12 months, the team identified over a dozen novel microbes aimed at developing a bio-stimulant solution to help crops withstand extreme weather conditions. These microbes are currently undergoing validation in diverse field trials.

[Ofer Haviv, CEO at Evogene Ltd]

This is a strong example of the power and efficiency of Lavie Bio technology to deliver promising candidates in a relatively short time frame. Finally, Lavie Bio has received a grant from the Israel Innovation Authority to advance the development of microfermentor, a groundbreaking technology with the potential to transform the economics of agrobiologicals. This grant underscores the value and uniqueness of Lavie Bio's offering and innovative culture. Next, I would like to discuss AgPlenus, a company specializing in the development of novel and sustainable crop protection products utilizing Evogene's Compass AI tech engines. As previously presented, AgPlenus is engaged in two key collaborations with Bayer and Corteva. I am pleased to report that both collaborations are progressing as planned, according to the agreed work schedule.

[Ofer Haviv, CEO at Evogene Ltd]

Regarding AgPlenus' pipeline, which is independent of the mentioned collaborations, the company's primary focus is on developing fungicides to address Septoria fungi, a significant threat to crops worldwide. I would like to highlight two important achievements that took place in the past quarter. Three proteins predicted by Compass AI as potential targets for Septoria treatment have been confirmed as essential in the fungi's life cycle. The second milestone, using Compass AI, the company identified approximately 1,000 small molecule compounds predicted to be effective against these three protein targets. These compounds are currently undergoing testing, with at least one target already showing high rates of in vitro hits. This advancement marks significant progress in AgPlenus' mission to develop innovative solutions for global crop protection. Now, turning to Biomica, which specializes in developing microbiome-based therapeutics for human health, powered by the MicroBoost AI tech engine.

[Ofer Haviv, CEO at Evogene Ltd]

At present, Biomica is primarily focused on advancing its immuno-oncology program with its lead candidate, BMC128. The phase I clinical study is nearing completion, with positive results observed in five patients showing prolonged response. Earlier this year, the company conducted a pre-IND meeting with the FDA, receiving positive feedback. Biomica is now continuing with the preparation for the IND submission. In preparation for the phase II IND clinical study, Biomica is also in the process of manufacturing an additional clinical batch of BMC128. Additionally, following extensive evaluation of numerous potential indications, Biomica has initiated two new programs focused on obesity and longevity. The company has obtained and partially analyzed relevant data sets to support these new programs, making an exciting expansion of its therapeutic pipeline. Now, Evogene Chief Financial Officer, Yaron Eldad, will provide a review of the financial results for the third quarter.

[Ofer Haviv, CEO at Evogene Ltd]

Thank you, Ofer.As of September 30, 2024, Evogene had held consolidated cash, cash equivalents, and short-term bank deposits of approximately $20 million. This amount does not include approximately $1.4 million of payments due from customers regarding deliveries made in September 2024. The consolidated cash usage during the third quarter of 2024 was approximately $5.7 million, excluding Lavie Bio and Biomica. Evogene and its other subsidiaries used approximately $3.1 million in cash during the third quarter of 2024. Projected cash usage for 2024, excluding Lavie Bio and Biomica, is expected to be around $8-$10 million, marking a notable 20%-36% decrease from approximately $12.5 million in 2023. Revenues for the first nine months of 2024 were approximately $6.9 million, an increase from approximately $5.1 million in the same period the previous year.

[Ofer Haviv, CEO at Evogene Ltd]

This growth was primarily driven by revenues recognized from AgPlenus' new collaboration with Bayer and increased Casterra's revenues from the supply of castor seeds during the period. Revenues for the third quarter of 2024 were approximately $1.8 million, compared to approximately $3.8 million in the same period in the previous year. The decrease was mainly attributable to revenue of $2.5 million recognized in Lavie Bio in the third quarter of 2023 by the licensing agreement with Corteva, partially offset by the increased revenues recognized in Casterra and AgPlenus during the third quarter of 2024. Evogene anticipates continued growth in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to the previous year, mainly based on Casterra's forecast for seed order supply. Research and development expenses, net of non-refundable grants for the nine months of 2024, were approximately $13.2 million, a significant decrease from approximately $15.2 million in the first nine months of 2023.

[Ofer Haviv, CEO at Evogene Ltd]

The decrease in expenses is mainly due to the cessation of genomics activity and a decrease in certain development expenses in Biomica as compared to the same period the previous year. Research and development expenses, net of non-refundable grants for the third quarter of 2024, were approximately $4.4 million and decreased as compared to approximately $5.1 million in the same period in the previous year. The decrease is mainly attributable to decreased expenses in genomics and Biomica, as mentioned above. Sales and marketing expenses for the first nine months of 2024 were approximately $2.8 million, a slight increase from approximately $2.6 million in the same period in the previous year. The increase is mainly attributable to increased sales and marketing activities in Casterra during the first nine months of 2024, as compared to the same period in 2023.

[Ofer Haviv, CEO at Evogene Ltd]

Sales and marketing expenses for the third quarter of 2024 were approximately $0.9 million and remained stable as compared to approximately $0.9 million in the same period in the previous year. General and administrative expenses for the first nine months of 2024 increased to approximately $6.1 million from approximately $4.8 million in the same period of the previous year. General and administrative expenses for the third quarter of 2024 increased to approximately $2.9 million compared to approximately $1.5 million in the same period of the previous year. The increase during the first nine months period and the third quarter of 2024 were mainly attributable to expenses recorded in Casterra due to a provision on doubtful debt of one seed supplier and transaction costs related to the Evogene's fundraising that occurred in August 2024, totaling approximately $1.4 million.

[Ofer Haviv, CEO at Evogene Ltd]

Total other G&A expenses in Q3 2024 amounted to approximately $1.5 million, unchanged compared to Q3 2023. The decision to cease Canonics operations in the first half of 2024 resulted in other expenses of approximately $500,000 for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2024, mainly due to impairment of fixed assets in the first quarter of 2024. The operating loss for the first nine months of 2024 was approximately $17.6 million, a decrease from approximately $18.9 million in the same period of the previous year, mainly due to increased revenues as mentioned above. The operating loss for the third quarter of 2024 was approximately $7.5 million, an increase from approximately $4.2 million in the same period of the previous year, mainly due to decreased revenues and increased G&A expenses as mentioned above.

[Ofer Haviv, CEO at Evogene Ltd]

Financing expenses net for the first nine months of 2024 were $378,000 compared to financing income net of $234,000 in the same period of the previous year. Financing expenses net for the third quarter of 2024 were $757,000 compared to financing income net of $320,000 in the same period of the previous year. The increase in financing expenses net during the nine-month period and the third quarter of 2024, as compared to the respective periods of 2023, was mainly associated with accounting treatment of pre-funded warrants and warrants issued in August 2024 fundraising. Pre-funded warrants and warrants were classified as a liability on the consolidated statement of financial position, were initially recorded at fair value and subsequently remeasured at each reporting period using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.

[Ofer Haviv, CEO at Evogene Ltd]

As a result, during the third quarter of 2024, the company recorded net financial expenses related to warrants of approximately $882,000. The net loss for the first nine months of 2024 was approximately $18 million, compared to approximately $18.6 million in the same period of the previous year. The net loss for the third quarter of 2024 was approximately $8.2 million, compared to approximately $3.9 million in the same period of the previous year. The $4.3 million increase in net loss for the third quarter of 2024, as compared to the third quarter of 2023, was primarily due to decreased revenues, increased general and administrative expenses, and increased financial expenses as mentioned above. This decrease in net loss was impacted by an amount of approximately $1.5 million due to transaction costs and the financial expenses related to warrants issued in that transaction. Operator. Thank you.

[Operator]

Ladies and gentlemen, at this time, we will begin the question and answer session. In order to send a question, use the chat button located at the bottom of your screen. Please type your full name and your company's name before the question. The first question from Ben Klieve of Lake Street Capital Markets. On the second quarter call, you said you expected a material update on a follow-on order for 2025 deliveries at Casterra by today's call. This did not happen. Why did this not materialize?

[Ofer Haviv, CEO at Evogene Ltd]

Hi, this is Ofer speaking. Thank you, Ben, for joining to this call. Yes, in previous Analyst Call, we were expected to receive orders from our partners, but to our sorrow, we still didn't receive it, not because there is a complication. It's mainly because there are still internal discussions based on the performance that they are receiving in their fields.

[Ofer Haviv, CEO at Evogene Ltd]

Since we didn't receive the final decision, which we hope that we will receive almost every day from now, so this is the reason that we couldn't give such an update for today's meetings. But it's not because there is any specific complication in the discussion or the ongoing relationship with our partners.

[Operator]

Another question from Ben Klieve. Have Casterra's continued delayed deliveries of the initial order placed in mid-2023 compromised its ability to secure a follow-on order?

[Ofer Haviv, CEO at Evogene Ltd]

With respect to this question, I'm just returning from almost three days in Kenya, where I visit our seed production site together with Yoash, the CEO of Casterra. As we published, we reached a stage that I think that we solved the seed production issue in Africa. Our partners are quite happy about it.

[Ofer Haviv, CEO at Evogene Ltd]

Actually, we are planning to bring some of them to our site so they can see and impress from what we achieved there. And I believe that we will continue to stay an important seed supplier to our partners in Africa. As we disclosed, there were some delays in the harvesting season because of the extension of the rain in Kenya, but now we are moving very fast. Probably we'll put some nice pictures and short movies from our visit in Kenya, which, in my opinion, are quite impressive. And we are reaching to the stage that we can generate tens, even close to hundreds of tons of seeds every month. So I think that we are in a good position with the future seed supplies to our partners.

[Ofer Haviv, CEO at Evogene Ltd]

So yes, there were some delays, and yes, some of the seed producers that we engaged in 2023 disappointed us in their performance. But the thing is that now we are beyond this complication, and we are looking forward to much better performance in the future with respect to seed production.

[Operator]

Another question from Ben Klieve. Is Evogene contributing any cash to the collaborations announced with Google and Ben-Gurion University? If so, how much?

[Ofer Haviv, CEO at Evogene Ltd]

So with respect to the Ben-Gurion University collaboration, actually, we are covering through the grant all of our expenses. So there is no additional cost for Evogene in participating in this collaboration. With respect to Google, so each side is covering its own expenses. From our perspective, this is part of our ongoing product development process. So it's already part of the budget.

[Ofer Haviv, CEO at Evogene Ltd]

And Google were very excited to join forces with us, and they are contributing to this collaboration a significant amount of resources and employees to help us to build this amazing foundation model that can accelerate our progress. So as I said, it doesn't have an effect on our budget compared to what we planned, while actually the end product is worth much more than what we contribute due to Google's involvement in this project.

[Operator]

The next question. How much cash at parent company level as of the 30th of September, 2024? What is the remaining cash usage for the balance of 2024? Why do you carve out Biomica and Lavie Bio in saying what your cash usage will be if you deliver the seeds? How long does the customer have to pay? Could you give us more detail on what additional opportunities to inject funds are available?

[Ofer Haviv, CEO at Evogene Ltd]

Yaron, can you take this answer?

[Yaron Eldad, CFO at Evogene Ltd]

Yeah, sure. So, first, thanks for the question. Evogene and the wholly-owned subsidiaries had $8 million in cash as of September 30. We had another $2 million of seeds that were delivered during the end of September and beginning of October. Part of this payment is already in, and the rest should arrive shortly. In addition to that, we expect to deliver by the end of the current quarter seeds in the amounts of a few million dollars. So I feel comfortable to say that we have enough cash going forward for a year or more. With respect to the second part of the question, first, I hope that you get the answer to your question.

[Yaron Eldad, CFO at Evogene Ltd]

So in a way, we have close to $10 million just for Evogene, and we are expecting to receive additional funds in the next few months. So I think that we are in a quite stable financial position. And I think that probably from here on, we will start to put more information on how much money we have for Evogene and for Biomica and Casterra and, sorry, and Lavie Bio. Please remember that apart from the money that these two companies hold, there are it's going to be used in the future to pay for Evogene for the use of our technology and for receiving different types of services. So apart from the money that you see, which belongs to Lavie and to Biomica, Evogene is going to use to cover its own expenses.

[Yaron Eldad, CFO at Evogene Ltd]

And usually, when we deliver seeds, the amount of money that we receive, Yoash, it's around from the time we send the seeds till we receive the money, it's up to 45 days. Up to 45 days. So it's not that we need to wait for too long, and even though that we're talking about the big numbers. And what additional opportunity to generate revenue for the company? So I think I mentioned in the past that one of the options is fundraising to our subsidiary level. This is something that we are working on now and much more intensively. And in addition, we are also exploring opportunities to sell parts from our holding in our subsidiaries or even maybe to sell completely one of our subsidiaries to potential strategic partners or companies that show interest in what those companies are doing.

[Yaron Eldad, CFO at Evogene Ltd]

So I think that there are a few avenues that we can bring additional cash to strengthen our financial position. And if this event will happen, so then I think that this will be a really nice addition to our cash balance and to the stability of the company. So I hope that I addressed these questions.

[Operator]

The next question from Brett Reiss of Janney Montgomery Scott. Where do you think the sales level for Yalos can be in two years? What is your base case target? I'm not looking for quarter's guidance, but what is realistic sales run rate a few years out?

[Ofer Haviv, CEO at Evogene Ltd]

Amit, the CEO of Lavie Bio, will take this answer, please. This question, please.

[Amit Noam, CEO at Lavie Bio]

Yeah, thanks, Brett, for the question. What makes us optimistic about Yalos' sales are two factors that happened this year.

[Amit Noam, CEO at Lavie Bio]

One is, even though we're still in penetration mode, we received very good feedback from the farmers using the product, which came back and are planning to expand next year. And this is one of the biggest KPIs we put to ourselves as returning customers that are actually growing. And the second is the proof that we did that Yalos works on soybean. Soybean is a much more prime crop for biostimulants. 100%, almost 100% of soybean seeds are treated, and the acres are four times the acres of what we do currently in terms of wheat. So soybean is a very, very big win for us and a very big potential. And we anticipate that in two years, sales will start being significant, and you'll see them as material in Evogene's revenues that will be reported.

[Operator]

The next question from Scott Henry of AGP.

[Operator]

How has the early feedback been on the Yalos launch? How should we think about peak annual revenues for Yalos? Thanks.

[Amit Noam, CEO at Lavie Bio]

So as I said, the feedback has been good. Wheat is a more challenging crop. Soybean is a much more relevant crop. But also in the wheat growers, we see very good results and very satisfied growers that are planning to expand their use of the product. So this is in terms of the feedback. In terms of sales, as I said, in the next two years, it will already start to be significant. In the peak sales, we're looking at significant double-digit millions of dollars of sales for Yalos.

[Operator]

A further question from Scott Henry of AGP. How should we think about Casterra revenues in 2025? Any color relative to 2024? Thanks.

[Ofer Haviv, CEO at Evogene Ltd]

So as I mentioned earlier, we can't disclose much information about the forecast for 2025 because we are still discussing these matters with our partners. In addition, there is some significant opportunity that we are evaluating that it can materialize and have a relatively significant effect on Casterra revenue for next year. So I believe that next year will look better than this year. And the fact that we solved the issue of seed production, seed production capacity in Kenya, and we also showed a very nice performance in Brazil with respect to seed production this year. I think this is a very important message. Think about it. At this point, we are the only seed producer of Casterra in Africa. This has put us in a very strong competitive position compared to other companies that are located in other places. There are not many, by the way.

[Ofer Haviv, CEO at Evogene Ltd]

There are only few, and they are located outside of Africa, so shipping and delivery time is a major issue while we solve this challenge by locating our seed production facility in the heart of Africa in Kenya.

[Operator]

The next question is from Stefano D'Orazio, an investor. Could you provide insight into the current level of insider ownership in the company and how management is aligned with shareholders' interests?

[Yaron Eldad, CFO at Evogene Ltd]

Thank you, Stefano, for joining this analyst call. I don't have the information in front of me with respect to insider ownership. We can deliver this information after this analyst call. You can contact me directly. But with respect to management, a significant portion from Evogene management compensation is based on equity through options. This is the same thing also with Evogene group CEOs in our subsidiaries.

[Yaron Eldad, CFO at Evogene Ltd]

The average salary in our group is lower than what you might expect for companies in our size and where we are. And we compensate on this through an equity holding in the company in an option mechanism. So for us, there is a very, and I think that this mechanism is really creating a strong link between management interest and shareholder interest. And we put a lot of thinking on how we can generate value to our shareholders because at the end of the day, we in a personal level will benefit as well.

[Operator]

There are no further questions at this time. Mr. Haviv, would you like to make your concluding statement?

[Ofer Haviv, CEO at Evogene Ltd]

Yes, thank you. I would like to thank everybody for joining this analyst call. And we're looking forward to continue to update you on the progress of Evogene and subsidiaries.

[Ofer Haviv, CEO at Evogene Ltd]

I believe that next year is going to be a very promising year for Evogene, and we're looking forward to achieving our targets. Thank you very much.

[Operator]

Thank you. This concludes Evogene's third quarter 2024 quarterly results conference call. Thank you for your participation. You may go ahead and disconnect.

Participants

Executives

• Company Representative
• Ofer Haviv, CEO
• Yaron Eldad, CFO

Analysts

• Amit Noam, CEO at Lavie Bio