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EXHIBIT 99.1


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Synutra Reports Fourth Quarter and
Full Year Fiscal 2011 Financial Results

Inventory Trends Reflect Sustained Recovery
4Q11 Net Sales Up 79.3% from 3Q11
Fiscal 2011 Gross Margin Increased to 31.3%
 
Qingdao, China and Rockville, Md. – June 14, 2011 – Synutra International, Inc. (NASDAQ: SYUT), a leading infant formula company in China and a producer, marketer and seller of nutritional products for infants, children and adults, today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and full year of fiscal 2011 ended March 31, 2011.

Mr. Liang Zhang, Chairman and CEO of Synutra, remarked, “Our results this quarter demonstrate that our recovery is ongoing and, we believe, sustainable.  Sales of our branded powdered formula have doubled since the last quarter, led by growth of our Super series.  Furthermore, we have launched a new brand, our My Angel series to capitalize upon the shifting market dynamics of China’s infant dairy market.  This supplementary product line will be distributed through specialty baby stores with unique formulations and is not expected to cannibalize our existing premium product lines.  Looking forward, we believe our focus on premium quality brands as well as our broadening distribution reach will lead to greater consumer recognition.”

Mr. Donghao Yang, Chief Financial Officer of Synutra, commented, “The fourth quarter is also significant from a channel perspective.  We have begun to see signs of our distributors’ inventory levels stabilizing after the destocking in the previous two quarters.  Overall, we are pleased with the continued financial and operational improvements accomplished by our dedicated employees.”


Financial Results for the Fourth Quarter of Fiscal 2011 versus Third Quarter of Fiscal 2011

 
Quarter Ended
 
QoQ Change
 
March 31, 2011
 
December 31,  2010
 
USD 000's
 
(%)
Net sales
79,294
 
44,233
 
35,061
 
79.3%
               
Cost of sales
(61,826)
 
(39,211)
 
(22,615)
 
57.7%
Gross profit
17,468
 
5,022
 
12,446
 
247.8%
Gross margin
22.0%
 
11.4%
       
               
Selling and distribution expenses
(10,858)
 
(12,714)
 
1,856
 
-14.6%
Advertising and promotion expenses
(6,313)
 
(10,451)
 
4,138
 
-39.6%
General and administrative expenses
(7,685)
 
(6,130)
 
(1,555)
 
25.4%
Impairment loss of assets disposal
0
 
0
 
0
   
Other operating income, net
957
 
173
 
784
 
453.2%
Total operating expense
(23,899)
 
(29,122)
 
(5,223)
 
-17.9%
 
 
 

 
 
               
Loss from operations
(6,431)
 
(24,100)
 
17,669
 
-73.3%
Operating margin
-8.1%
 
-54.5%
       
               
Net interest expense and other income
(2,553)
 
(2,366)
 
(187)
 
7.9%
Income tax benefit
384
 
5,920
 
(5,536)
 
-93.5%
Net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest
(61)
 
(67)
 
(6)
 
-9.0%
               
Net loss attributable to Synutra International, Inc. common shareholders
(8,539)
 
(20,479)
 
(11,940)
 
-58.3%
Net margin
-10.8%
 
-46.3%
       
               
Loss per share - Diluted
($0.15)
 
($0.36)
 
$(0.21)
 
-58.3%

 
Net sales increased 79.3% to $79.3 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011 from $44.2 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2011, led by growth in the Company’s infant formula sales.  Net sales from the Company’s branded powdered formula segment were $48.3 million, or 60.9% of net sales in the quarter, compared to $20.7 million, or 46.8% of net sales, in the previous quarter.  Net sales of the Company’s Super series infant formula accounted for 53.9% of the volume of sales and 65.8% of the net sales of the powdered formula segment for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2011 compared to 45.4% of the volume of sales and 57.1% of the net sales of the powdered formula segment in the third quarter of fiscal year 2011. By volume, sales of powdered formula products were 6,057 tons in the fiscal fourth quarter compared to 4,063 tons in the previous quarter.

Net sales from Other Products, which mainly consist of surplus milk powder, whey protein and raw milk sold to industrial customers, was $30.8 million, or 38.8% of net sales, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011, compared to $23.3 million, or 52.7% of net sales in the third quarter of fiscal 2011.  The decrease in sales to industrial customers demonstrates the Company’s gradual shift away from distribution of surplus milk powder.

Gross profit was $17.5 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011, compared to $5.0 million in the third quarter of fiscal year 2011. Gross margin in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011 was 22.0%, compared to 11.4% in the third quarter of fiscal 2011. This reflects the impact of the discounts the Company provided to distributors to regain market share, which were deducted from gross sales, negatively impacting net sales and gross margin.

Loss from operations improved substantially to $6.4 million, from the $24.1 million operating loss in the prior year period. Total operating expenses were 30.1% of revenue reflecting advertising and promotional activities in line with the Company’s normalized range.

Mr. Yang continued, “We are pleased to note strong sequential growth in our financial performance.  Operating results have shown significant improvement in the fourth quarter compared to the previous two quarters when the hormone crisis impacted results. Our powdered formula segment sales increased by 133.2% and gross margin more than doubled in the fourth quarter compared to the third quarter. Operating loss this quarter narrowed by 73.3% compared with the previous quarter. As we have observed, the destocking of channel inventory is coming to an end, which is a major contributing factor to our operating improvement. As our market share continues to recover directionally over time, distributors will
 
 
 

 
 
adjust their inventory level upward accordingly, so we expect to see further improvement in our operating results in the coming quarters.”

   
Fiscal Year 2011
 
   
First
   
Second
   
Third
   
Fourth
 
   
(In thousands except percentage)
 
Powdered formula segment
                               
- Net sales
  $ 79,244     $ 37,285     $ 20,722     $ 48,318  
- Gross margin
   
56.9%
     
28.6%
     
16.1%
     
39.9%
 
                                 
Overall
                               
- Income (loss) from operations
   
16,290
     
(26,101
)
   
(24,100
)
   
(6,431
)
                                 
Market Share (last month of each quarter) (CIC data)
   
    7.1%
     
   4.6%
     
   5.2%
   
 
   4.9%
 

Full Year Ended March 31, 2011 Financial Results
Net sales for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011 decreased 14.9% to $248.5 million from $291.9 million in the prior fiscal year.  Net sales from branded powdered formula products decreased 4.5% to $185.6 million, or 74.7% of net sales in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011, from $194.4 million, or 66.6% of net sales in the prior fiscal year.

Net sales from Other products, which consist mainly of the surplus milk powder to industrial customers, were $61.5 million, or 24.7% of net sales in the fiscal year 2011, compared to $95.2 million, or 32.6% of net sales in the prior fiscal year.

Gross profit was $77.7 million in fiscal year 2011, which decreased 6.8% from $83.4 million in the prior fiscal year. Gross margin increased to 31.3% in fiscal year 2011 from 28.6% in the prior year period.

Operating loss was $40.3 million in fiscal year 2011, compared to an operating loss of $23.9 million in the prior fiscal year.  Net loss attributable to Synutra International, Inc. common stockholders was $40.1 million in fiscal year 2011, or ($0.71) per diluted share, compared with a net loss of $24.6 million, or ($0.46) per diluted share in the prior year.

Balance Sheet
As of March 31, 2011, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $48.7 million and restricted cash of $37.7 million.

Mr. Zhang stated in closing, “We continue to be confident in the long-term potential of both Synutra and China’s domestic infant formula market.  The past fiscal year has wrought many challenges for both our Company and the broader domestic industry.  However, with the government’s current focus on quality control as well as our internal dedication to high quality products and a robust nationwide distribution network, we continue to believe the future is bright.”

Conference Call Details
The Company will hold a conference call on Wednesday, June 15, 2011 at 8:00 am Eastern Time to discuss the financial results.  Listeners may access the call by dialing the following numbers:

United States Toll Free: 
   
+1 (866) 405-2350
International:
   
+1 (718) 354-1231
Conference ID:
   
72126546
 
 
 

 
 
The replay will be accessible through June 21, 2011 by dialing the following numbers:

United States Toll Free:   
   
+1 (866) 214-5335
International:
   
+1 (718) 354-1232
Conference ID:
   
72126546

A webcast of the conference call will be available through the Company’s IR website at www.synutra.com.

About Synutra International, Inc.
Synutra International, Inc. (Nasdaq: SYUT) is a leading infant formula company in China. It principally produces, markets and sells its products under the "Shengyuan" or "Synutra" name, together with other complementary brands. It focuses on selling premium infant formula products, which are supplemented by more affordable infant formulas targeting the mass market as well as other nutritional products and ingredients. It sells its products through an extensive nationwide sales and distribution network covering 30 provinces and provincial-level municipalities in China. As of March 31, 2011, this network comprised over 580 independent distributors and over 1,000 independent sub-distributors who sell Synutra products in over 71,000 retail outlets.

Forward-looking Statements
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that are based on our current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about Synutra International, Inc. and its industry. All statements other than statements of historical fact in this release are forward-looking statements. In some cases, these forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "is/are likely to," "may," "plan," "should," "will," "aim," "potential," "continue," or other similar expressions. The forward-looking statements included in this press release relate to, among others, Synutra's goals and strategies; its future business development, financial condition and results of operations; the expected growth of the nutritional products and infant formula markets in China; market acceptance of Synutra’s products; the safety and quality of Synutra’s products; Synutra's expectations regarding demand for its products; Synutra's ability to stay abreast of market trends and technological advances; competition in the infant formula industry in China; PRC governmental policies and regulations relating to the nutritional products and infant formula industries, and general economic and business conditions in China. These forward-looking statements involve various risks and uncertainties. Although Synutra believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, these expectations may turn out to be incorrect. Synutra's actual results could be materially different from the expectations. Important risks and factors that could cause actual results to be materially different from expectations are generally set forth in Synutra's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release. Synutra International, Inc. undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Synutra International, Inc.
Investor Relations Department
ir@synutra.com or 301-840-3881
 
 
 

 
 
Synutra International, Inc.
           
Consolidated Balance Sheets
           
             
             
             
             
   
March 31, 2011
   
March 31, 2010
 
   
(in thousands, except share par value)
 
ASSETS
           
Current Assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 48,741     $ 48,693  
Restricted cash
    37,690       33,384  
Accounts receivable, net of allowance
    46,021       26,013  
Inventories
    67,372       52,134  
Due from related parties
    13,708       8,111  
Income tax receivable
    259       523  
Receivable from assets disposal
    1,714       5,879  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    11,562       8,209  
Deferred tax assets
    20,922       33,390  
                 
Total current assets
    247,989       216,336  
                 
Property, plant and equipment, net
    109,811       110,037  
Land use rights, net
    6,096       5,996  
Intangible assets, net
    3,140       3,394  
Goodwill
    -       1,437  
Receivable from assets disposal
    -       4,404  
Other assets
    4,022       3,575  
Deferred tax assets
    27,646       4,178  
                 
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 398,704     $ 349,357  
                 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
               
                 
Current Liabilities:
               
Short-term debt
  $ 124,281     $ 98,069  
Long-term debt due within one year
    38,131       61,194  
Accounts payable
    52,923       49,947  
Due to related parties
    2,330       2,670  
Advances from customers
    4,890       9,375  
Other current liabilities
    25,913       22,674  
                 
Total current liabilities
    248,468       243,929  
                 
Long-term debt
    62,722       41,018  
Deferred revenue
    4,456       4,688  
Capital lease obligations
    5,540       5,372  
Other long-term liabilities
    1,592       1,419  
                 
Total liabilities
    322,778       296,426  
                 
Equity:
               
Synutra International, Inc. shareholders' equity
               
Common stock, $.0001 par value: 250,000 authorized; 57,301 and 54,001 issued and outstanding at March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively
    6       5  
Additional paid-in capital
    135,440       76,607  
Accumulated deficit
    (88,357 )     (48,289 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    28,204       24,015  
                 
Total Synutra common shareholders’ equity
    75,293       52,338  
                 
Noncontrolling interest
    633       593  
                 
Total equity
    75,926       52,931  
                 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
  $ 398,704     $ 349,357  

 
 

 
 
Synutra International, Inc.
                             
Consolidated Statements of Income
                             
                               
   
Three Months Ended March 31,
   
Year Ended March 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(in thousands except earnings per share data)
 
                               
Net sales
  $ 79,294     $ 82,411     $ 248,516     $ 291,886     $ 312,528  
Cost of sales
    61,826       43,472       170,769       208,476       259,086  
                                         
Gross profit
    17,468       38,939       77,747       83,410       53,442  
                                         
Selling and distribution expenses
    10,858       11,543       48,409       43,989       44,178  
Advertising and promotion expenses
    6,313       6,606       41,420       33,854       115,478  
General and administrative expenses
    7,685       9,493       28,261       24,509       25,455  
Impairment of goodwill
    -       -       1,440       -       -  
Impairment loss from assets disposal
    -       (80 )     -       5,894       -  
Other operating income, net
    957       396       1,441       894       5,790  
                                         
Loss from operations
    (6,431 )     11,773       (40,342 )     (23,942 )     (125,879 )
                                         
Interest expense
    2,920       2,386       10,321       8,603       4,857  
Interest income
    388       246       820       1,850       341  
Other income (expense), net
    (21 )     10       277       (1,081 )     (580 )
                                         
Loss before income tax benefit
    (8,984 )     9,643       (49,566 )     (31,776 )     (130,975 )
                                         
Income tax benefit
    (384 )     593       (9,306 )     (6,904 )     (30,386 )
                                         
Net loss
    (8,600 )     9,050       (40,260 )     (24,872 )     (100,589 )
                                         
Net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest
    (61 )     (28 )     (192 )     (257 )     (40 )
                                         
Net loss attributable to Synutra International, Inc. common shareholders
  $ (8,539 )   $ 9,078     $ (40,068 )   $ (24,615 )   $ (100,549 )
                                         
Loss per share - basic
  $ (0.15 )   $ 0.17     $ (0.71 )   $ (0.46 )   $ (1.86 )
Loss per share - diluted
  $ (0.15 )   $ 0.17     $ (0.71 )   $ (0.46 )   $ (1.86 )
                                         
Weighted average common share outstanding - basic
    57,301       54,001       56,476       54,001       54,001  
Weighted average common share outstanding - diluted
    57,301       54,187       56,476       54,001       54,001