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Cereplast Reports First Quarter 2011 Results

^{Published on 2011-05-16 13:25:49 - Market Wire}
 

EL SEGUNDO, Calif.--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--[ Cereplast, Inc. ] (NASDAQ:CERP), a leading manufacturer of proprietary bio-based, compostable and sustainable plastics, announced financial results for its first quarter ended March 31, 2011.

"To satisfy the expected growth in revenues, we announced plans for a strategically located plant in Italy solidifying our continued commitment to meet the increasing demand for bioplastic resin in Europe. This is one of several initiatives in place to support growth and improve gross margins."

aThe first quarter 2011 results reflect the initial quarter of significant revenues for the company and demonstrate the momentum of our business as we continue to benefit from legislation banning the use of plastic bags and suggesting the use of bioplastic in the European Union and other emerging markets, as well as the higher cost of commodities,a said Frederic Scheer, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Cereplast. aThis momentum sets the stage for strong future growth as illustrated by the increased customer activity in Europe and establishment of important distribution relationships that are expected to ramp in scope and size throughout the remainder of the year.a

Scheer continued, aTo satisfy the expected growth in revenues, we announced plans for a strategically located plant in Italy solidifying our continued commitment to meet the increasing demand for bioplastic resin in Europe. This is one of several initiatives in place to support growth and improve gross margins.a

First Quarter 2011 and Recent Highlights

• Opened initial sales office in Europe with facility in Bnen, Germany, in January, to support the rapid expansion of its European operations.
• Signed distribution agreements during the first quarter solidifying the companya™s presence in the growing European market.
  • Entered into a distribution agreement with DMT Plasticolor, in March, to supply Cereplast bioplastic resins to the Croatian marketplace.
  • Signed distribution agreements in January with BioWorks Pl, ColorTec S.r.l., and Euroink Romania, to supply bioplastic resin to the Southern Italian, Polish, Romanian, and Slovenian markets.
• Launched a new trademarked icon, in April, to help consumers identify products made from bioplastics. The new symbol is a result of Cereplasta™s aMake Your Marka competition which produced a new icon that will represent the next generation of plastics a" bio-based, biodegradable, and compostable plastics that protect and preserve the environment. The new icon will be used in a similar fashion to the recycling symbol as it will be stamped on products and serve as an identifying mark of bioplastic material.
• Announced Italy-based bioplastic manufacturing plant, in May, to create efficiencies and enable continued expansion into European market. The plant is expected to have 100,000 tons of capacity and is to be financed by local Italian financial institutions.

First Quarter 2011 Financial Results

Revenues for the first quarter of 2011 of $7.2 million, compared to $0.3 million for the first quarter of 2010. The increase is the result of the significant growth in order flow from contracts signed in the last two quarters.

Gross profit in the first quarter of 2011 was $0.7 million, or 9.7% of revenue, compared to $0.1 million, or 31.7% for the first quarter of 2010. The expected decrease in gross margin reflects unusually high margins on very low volume sales in the prior year period, combined with the companya™s stated strategy for the first quarter 2011 to gain critical mass by offering low introductory pricing to certain key customers to support their programs to bring new bioplastic products to market. This strategy has proven effective in contributing to strong sales growth and growing market share as demonstrated by the increase in revenue for the first quarter of 2011.

First quarter 2011 net loss was $1.8 million, or $0.12 per share, compared to a net loss of $1.7 million, or $0.17 per share in the same period a year ago.

Financial Condition

As of March 31, 2011, the company had total cash and cash equivalents of $7.2 million, compared to $2.4 million as of December 31, 2010 and working capital of $17.5 million. The net increase in cash is primarily proceeds received from a private placement offering and additional growth capital received from a venture loan facility. Shareholders' equity as of March 31, 2011 was $17.1 million, compared to $6.9 million as of December 31, 2010. Net cash used in operating activities for the first quarter of 2011 was $8.9 million, compared to $1.4 million for the same period in 2010. The increase in cash used for operating activities was primarily a result of the expected increase in accounts receivable amounts reflecting the significant sales growth.

Financial Guidance

The Company reiterates its 2011 revenue guidance of $28.0 million to $34.0 million, up from the originally stated 2011 guidance of $24.0 million to $32.0 million, representing a significant increase over its 2010 revenue of $6.3 million.

Conference Call

The Company will conduct a conference call and live webcast on May 16^th, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. PDT (5:00 p.m. EDT), to discuss its first quarter 2011 financial results. Participating in the call will be Mr. Frederic Scheer, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and Heather Sheehan, Chief Financial Officer.

To join the live conference call, please dial the following number five to ten minutes prior to the scheduled conference call time: 877-312-5508. International callers should dial 253-237-1135. A live webcast and archive of the call will also be available on the Investor Relations section of Cereplast's website at [ www.cereplast.com ]. If you are unable to participate in the call at this time, a telephonic replay will be available for three days starting two hours after the conclusion of the call. To access the telephonic replay, dial 800-642-1687, international callers dial 706-645-9291, and enter the Conference ID, 63834298.

About Cereplast, Inc.

Cereplast, Inc. (NASDAQ:CERP) designs and manufactures proprietary bio-based, biodegradable, compostable and sustainable plastics, which are used as substitutes for petroleum-based plastics in all major converting processes - such as injection molding, thermoforming, blow molding and extrusions - at a pricing structure that is competitive with petroleum-based plastics. On the cutting-edge of bio-based plastic material development, Cereplast now offers resins to meet a variety of customer demands. Cereplast Compostables® Resins are ideally suited for single use applications where high bio-based content and compostability are advantageous, especially in the food service industry. Cereplast Sustainablesa" Resins combine high bio-based content with the durability and endurance of traditional plastic, making them ideal for applications in industries such as automotive, consumer electronics, and packaging. Learn more at [ www.cereplast.com ].

Safe Harbor Statement

Matters discussed in this press release contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this press release, the words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "may," "intend," "expect" and similar expressions identify such forward-looking statements. Actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those contemplated, expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained herein. These forward-looking statements are based largely on the expectations of the Company and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. These include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties associated with: the impact of economic, competitive and other factors affecting the Company and its operations, markets, product, and distributor performance, the impact on the national and local economies resulting from terrorist actions, and U.S. actions subsequently; and other factors detailed in reports filed by the Company.