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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.  20549
 
 

FORM 10-Q

 
x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended December 31, 2011
 
OR
 
o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from                 to                 .
 
Commission file number 001-33397
 

    
SYNUTRA INTERNATIONAL, INC.
 

 
   
DELAWARE
 
13-4306188
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
 
I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.
 
2275 Research Blvd., Suite 500
Rockville, Maryland 20850
 
(Address of Principal Executive Offices, Zip Code)
 
(301) 840-3888
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
 
 
 

 
   
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x       No o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x       No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
Large accelerated filer o
Accelerated filer x
Non-accelerated filer o
Smaller reporting company o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o       No x
 
As of February 9, 2012, there were 57,300,713 shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding.

 
 

 
 
 
Page
 
PART I
 
 
PART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 
SYNUTRA INTERNATIONAL, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

   
December 31, 2011
   
March 31, 2011
   
unaudited
   
audited
       
   
(in thousands,
except share par value)
 
ASSETS
           
Current Assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
45,776
   
$
48,741
 
Restricted cash
   
28,531
     
37,690
 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $13,192 and $8,779, respectively
   
55,264
     
46,021
 
Inventories
   
54,372
     
67,372
 
Due from related parties
   
8,663
     
13,708
 
Income tax receivable
   
269
     
259
 
Receivable from assets disposal
   
1,378
     
1,714
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
   
16,195
     
11,562
 
Deferred tax assets
   
14,638
     
20,922
 
Total current assets
   
225,086
     
247,989
 
                 
Property, plant and equipment, net
   
118,298
     
109,811
 
Land use rights, net
   
9,561
     
6,096
 
Intangible assets, net
   
3,168
     
3,140
 
Restricted cash
   
20,997
     
 
Other assets
   
1,303
     
4,022
 
Deferred tax assets
   
28,667
     
27,646
 
TOTAL ASSETS
 
$
407,080
   
$
398,704
 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
               
Current Liabilities:
               
Short-term debt
 
$
94,165
   
$
124,281
 
Long-term debt due within one year
   
58,404
     
38,131
 
Accounts payable
   
54,586
     
52,923
 
Due to related parties
   
1,675
     
2,330
 
Advances from customers
   
6,366
     
4,890
 
Other current liabilities
   
34,627
     
25,913
 
Total current liabilities
   
249,823
     
248,468
 
                 
Long-term debt
   
55,739
     
62,722
 
Deferred revenue
   
4,438
     
4,456
 
Capital lease obligations
   
5,741
     
5,540
 
Other long-term liabilities
   
1,855
     
1,592
 
Total liabilities
   
317,596
     
322,778
 
Equity:
               
Synutra International, Inc. stockholders’ equity
               
Common stock, $.0001 par value: 250,000 authorized; 57,301 and 57,301 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2011 and March 31, 2011, respectively
   
6
     
6
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
135,440
     
135,440
 
Accumulated deficit
   
(79,142
)
   
(88,357
)
Accumulated other comprehensive income
   
32,088
     
28,204
 
Total Synutra common stockholders’ equity
   
88,392
     
75,293
 
Noncontrolling interest
   
1,092
     
633
 
Total equity
   
89,484
     
75,926
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
$
407,080
   
$
398,704
 
 
 The accompanying notes are an integral part of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
SYNUTRA INTERNATIONAL, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATION
(unaudited)

  
 
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
  
 
December 31,
   
December 31,
 
  
 
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(in thousands, except earnings per share)
 
Net sales
 
$
114,362
   
$
44,233
   
$
257,172
   
$
169,222
 
Cost of sales
   
67,078
     
39,211
     
151,810
     
108,943
 
Gross profit
   
47,284
     
5,022
     
105,362
     
60,279
 
                                 
Selling and distribution expenses
   
12,619
     
12,714
     
37,408
     
37,551
 
Advertising and promotion expenses
   
7,588
     
10,451
     
22,638
     
35,107
 
General and administrative expenses
   
7,365
     
6,130
     
20,616
     
20,576
 
Impairment of goodwill
   
     
     
     
1,440
 
Other operating income, net
   
1,721
     
173
     
1,901
     
484
 
Income (loss) from operations
   
21,433
     
(24,100
)
   
26,601
     
(33,911
)
                                 
Interest expense
   
3,841
     
2,626
     
11,125
     
7,401
 
Interest income
   
481
     
187
     
1,404
     
432
 
Other income (expense), net
   
(509
   
73
     
63
     
298
 
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)
   
17,564
     
(26,466
)
   
16,943
     
(40,582
)
                                 
Income tax expense (benefit)
   
7,162
     
(5,920
)
   
7,370
     
(8,922
)
Net income (loss)
   
10,402
     
(20,546
)
   
9,573
     
(31,660
)
                                 
Net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest
   
116
     
(67
)
   
358
     
(131
)
Net income (loss) attributable to Synutra International, Inc. common stockholders
 
$
10,286
   
$
(20,479
 
$
9,215
   
$
(31,529
                                 
Earnings (loss) per share – basic
 
$
0.18
   
$
(0.36
 
$
0.16
   
$
(0.56
Earnings (loss) per share – diluted
 
$
0.18
   
$
(0.36
 
$
0.16
   
$
(0.56
Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic
   
57,301
     
57,301
     
57,301
     
56,201
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted
   
57,301
     
57,301
     
57,301
     
56,201
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. 
 
 
SYNUTRA INTERNATIONAL, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
 (unaudited)

  
 
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
  
 
December 31,
   
December 31,
 
  
 
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Net income (loss)
 
$
10,402
   
$
(20,546
 
$
9,573
   
$
(31,660
Currency translation adjustments
   
962
     
1,125
     
3,900
     
3,331
 
Total comprehensive income (loss)
   
11,364
     
(19,421
)
   
13,473
     
(28,329
)
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest
   
120
     
(63
)
   
374
     
(120
)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Synutra International, Inc. common stockholders
 
$
11,244
   
$
(19,358
 
$
13,099
   
$
(28,209

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
SYNUTRA INTERNATIONAL, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
 (unaudited)
 
   
Synutra International, Inc. Common Stockholders
             
   
Common Stock
                               
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
Additional paid-in capital
   
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)
   
Accumulated other comprehensive income
   
Noncontrolling Interest
   
Total equity
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Balance, March 31, 2010
   
54,001
   
$
5
   
$
76,607
   
$
(48,289
)
 
$
24,015
   
$
593
   
$
52,931
 
Net loss
   
     
     
     
(31,529
   
     
(131
   
(31,660
Issuance of common stock
   
3,300
     
1
     
58,833
     
     
     
     
58,834
 
Currency translation adjustments
   
     
     
     
     
3,320
     
11
     
3,331
 
Other
   
     
     
     
     
     
112
     
112
 
Balance, December 31, 2010
   
57,301
   
$
6
   
$
135,440
   
$
(79,818
)
 
$
27,335
   
$
585
   
$
83,548
 
                                                         
Balance, March 31, 2011
   
57,301
   
$
6
   
$
135,440
   
$
(88,357
)
 
$
28,204
   
$
633
   
$
75,926
 
Net income
   
     
     
     
9,215
     
     
358
     
9,573
 
Currency translation adjustments
   
     
     
     
     
3,884
     
16
     
3,900
 
Other
   
     
     
     
     
     
85
     
85
 
Balance, December 31, 2011
   
57,301
   
$
6
   
$
135,440
   
$
(79,142
)
 
$
32,088
   
$
1,092
   
$
89,484
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
SYNUTRA INTERNATIONAL, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 (unaudited)
 
   
Nine Months Ended December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Operating activities:
           
Net income (loss)
 
$
9,573
   
$
(31,660
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
               
Amortization of debt issuance costs
   
     
175
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
8,611
     
7,834
 
Bad debt expense
   
6,709
     
2,679
 
Goodwill and intangible asset impairment
   
     
1,700
 
Loss (gain) on disposal of property, plant and equipment
   
269
     
(10
)
Deferred income tax
   
7,191
     
18
 
Other compensation expense
   
85
     
112
 
Changes in assets and liabilities:
               
Accounts receivable
   
(14,103
   
(20,579
)
Inventories
   
15,629
     
(16,275
)
Due from related parties
   
3,884
     
(4,466
)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
   
(12,101
)
   
(3,225
)
Prepaid land use right
   
(3,397
)
   
 
Accounts payable
   
595
     
1,186
 
Due to related parties
   
1,535
     
1,413
 
Advances from customers
   
1,351
     
2,297
 
Income tax receivable
   
(29
   
(8,597
Deferred revenue
   
(198
   
(104
Other liabilities
   
14,171
     
7,627
 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
 
$
39,775
   
$
(59,875
)
                 
Investing activities:
               
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment
   
(10,565
)
   
(3,840
)
Change in restricted cash
   
(9,849
)
   
(7,080
Proceeds from assets disposal
   
405
     
8,795
 
Net cash used in investing activities
 
$
(20,009
)
 
$
(2,125
                 
Financing activities:
               
Proceeds from short-term debt
   
157,951
     
147,225
 
Repayment of short-term debt
   
(194,439
)
   
(133,197
)
Proceeds from long-term debt
   
60,494
     
57,491
 
Repayment of long-term debt
   
(48,555
)
   
(67,339
)
Payment on capital lease obligations
   
     
(9,104
)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
   
     
62,700
 
Issuance costs for common stock issuance
   
     
(3,866
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
 
$
(24,549
 
$
53,910
 
                 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
 
$
1,818
   
$
1,389
 
                 
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
   
(2,965
   
(6,701
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
 
$
48,741
   
$
48,693
 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year
 
$
45,776
   
$
41,992
 
                 
Supplemental cash flow information:
               
Interest paid
   
10,855
     
6,598
 
Income tax paid
   
82
     
168
 
                 
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
               
Purchase of property, plant and equipment by accounts payable
   
(650
   
(372
Assets disposal by other receivable
   
     
1,890
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
SYNUTRA INTERNATIONAL, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
 
1.
ORGANIZATION AND PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES

Directly or through its wholly owned subsidiary, Synutra International, Inc. (collectively with its subsidiaries, the “Company” or “Synutra”) owns all or majority of the equity interests of the entities in the People’s Republic of China (“China” or “PRC”) that are principally engaged in the production, marketing and distribution of dairy based nutritional products under the Company’s own brands in China. The Company produces, markets and sells nutritional products under the “Shengyuan” or “Synutra” name, together with other complementary brands. The Company focuses on selling premium infant formula products, which are supplemented by more affordable infant formula products targeting the mass market as well as other nutritional products, such as adult powdered milk formula and prepared baby food, and certain nutritional ingredients and supplements.

2. 
BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The Company is responsible for the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this document, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and include all normal and recurring adjustments that management of the Company considers necessary for a fair presentation of its financial position and operating results. The Company prepared these statements following the requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) for interim reporting. As permitted under those rules, the Company condensed or omitted certain footnotes or other financial information that are normally required by GAAP for annual financial statements. These statements should be read in combination with the consolidated financial statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011.

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern. Under that assumption, it is expected that assets will be realized and liabilities will be satisfied in the normal course of business. In August 2010, there were several media reports alleging the Company’s infant formula products caused symptoms of hormone-triggered sexual prematurity in infants in the Hubei province of China (“prematurity event”). Although the Ministry of Health (“MOH”) of China conducted tests on samples of the Company’s products and concluded that there was no link between the infant milk powder products and premature development in infants, the Company’s business was significantly impacted. As a result, the Company experienced a net loss and negative cash flows from operations in the year ended March 31, 2011. The Company initiated a series of marketing strategies to emphasize close communication with the end customers, including reiterating the safety of formula products on major TV stations, inviting consumers to visit the production plant, after the prematurity event. As a result of the Company’s effort, sales order amounts have been increasing quarter by quarter, the Company has returned to profitability and has positive operating cash flow for the fiscal quarters ended September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2011. Considering these facts, the Company regards the going concern assumption as appropriate. The Company will be able to realize its assets and satisfy its liabilities in the normal course of business. As a result, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern.

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of Synutra International, Inc. and its subsidiaries, its consolidated variable interest entity, Beijing Shengyuan Huimin Technology Service Co., Ltd., and its subsidiaries. All inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

The operating results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for any other interim period or for the full year
 
 
3. 
INVENTORIES

The Company’s inventories at December 31, 2011 and March 31, 2011 are summarized as follows:
 
   
December 31, 2011
   
March 31, 2011
   
(In thousands)
 
Raw materials
 
$
36,273
   
$
52,817
 
Work-in-progress
   
5,446
     
4,262
 
Finished goods
   
12,653
     
10,293
 
Total
 
$
54,372
   
$
67,372
 
 
 The value of goods-in-transit included in raw materials was $18.3 million and $26.4 million as of December 31, 2011 and March 31, 2011, respectively, which mainly represented the overseas purchase of milk powder and whey protein.
 
4. 
DUE FROM (TO) RELATED PARTIES AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

A. 
Classification of related party balances by name

a. 
Due from related parties

   
December 31, 2011
   
March 31, 2011
   
(In thousands)
 
Sheng Zhi Da Dairy Group Corporation
 
$
1,872
   
$
1,800
 
Beijing Honnete Dairy Co., Ltd.
   
1,101
     
7,419
 
St. Angel (Beijing) Business Service Co. Ltd.
   
5,690
     
528
 
Beijing Dongan Hengxin Property Development Co., Ltd.
   
     
3,961
 
Total
 
$
8,663
   
$
13,708
 

b. 
Due to related parties

   
December 31, 2011
   
March 31, 2011
   
(In thousands)
 
Sheng Zhi Da Dairy Group Corporation
 
$
1,168
   
$
1,639
 
Beijing Honnete Dairy Co., Ltd.
   
500
     
534
 
Beijing St. Angel Cultural Communication Co., Ltd.
   
7
     
157
 
Total
 
$
1,675
   
$
2,330
 
 
The Company had certain related party borrowings which were recorded in long-term debt. See Note 7. Except for the related party borrowings, the amount due to and due from related parties were unsecured and interest free.
 

B. 
Sales to related parties

In the three and nine months ended December 31, 2011, the Company’s sales to the related parties included whey protein to Beijing Honnete Dairy Co., Ltd. and powdered formula products to St. Angel (Beijing) Business Service Co., Ltd.. In the three and nine months ended December 31, 2010, the Company’s sales to the related parties included milk powder and whey protein to Beijing Honnete Dairy Co., Ltd., milk powder to Beijing Kelqin Dairy Co., Ltd., and powdered formula products to St. Angel (Beijing) Business Service Co., Ltd..

  
 
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
  
 
December 31,
   
December 31,
 
  
 
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Beijing Honnete Dairy Co., Ltd.
 
$
163
   
$
2,164
   
$
1,242
   
$
2,598
 
Beijing Kelqin Dairy Co., Ltd.
   
     
     
     
23
 
St. Angel (Beijing) Business Service Co., Ltd.
   
3,679
     
87
     
6,303
     
527
 
Total
 
$
3,842
   
$
2,251
   
$
7,545
   
$
3,148
 

Before September 2011, St. Angel (Beijing) Business Service Co., Ltd. also acted as a sub-distributor of the Company's products. From September 2011, St. Angel (Beijing) Business Service Co., Ltd. began to make all the purchases directly from the Company, which also led to the increase in the amount due from St. Angel (Beijing) Business Service Co., Ltd. Sales of powdered formula products from independent distributors to St. Angel (Beijing) Business Service Co., Ltd. were nil and $7.5 million for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2011, respectively, and $2.8 million and $16.9 million for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2010, respectively, which were not included in the above table.

C. 
Purchases from related parties

In the three and nine months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company’s purchases from related parties included marketing videos from St. Angel Cultural Communication Co., Ltd., which engages in television programming and production.

  
 
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
  
 
December 31,
   
December 31,
 
  
 
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Beijing St. Angel Cultural Communication Co. Ltd.
 
$
169
   
$
   
$
169
   
$
52
 
 
5. 
PREPAID EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS

   
December 31, 2011
   
March 31, 2011
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Prepaid expense
 
$
5,664
   
$
3,573
 
Prepaid other taxes
   
5,573
     
6,781
 
Advance to suppliers
   
1,317
     
396
 
Subsidy receivable
   
1,567
     
 
Other
   
2,074
     
812
 
Total
 
$
16,195
   
$
11,562
 
 
 
6.
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET

   
December 31, 2011
   
March 31, 2011
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Property, plant and equipment, cost:
           
Capital lease of building
 
$
5,789
   
$
5,563
 
Buildings
   
55,437
     
52,686
 
Plant and machinery
   
81,533
     
78,015
 
Office equipment and furnishings
   
4,145
     
3,431
 
Motor vehicles
   
2,739
     
2,606
 
Others
   
513
     
437
 
Total cost
 
$
150,156
   
$
142,738
 
Less: Accumulated depreciation:
               
Capital lease of building
   
494
     
371
 
Buildings
   
11,352
     
8,947
 
Plant and machinery
   
31,471
     
25,070
 
Office equipment and furnishings
   
2,622
     
2,139
 
Motor vehicles
   
1,815
     
1,472
 
Others
   
415
     
371
 
Total accumulated depreciation
   
48,169
     
38,370
 
Construction in progress
   
16,311
     
5,443
 
Property, plant and equipment, net
 
$
118,298
   
$
109,811
 

Construction in progress mainly represents leasehold improvements, manufacturing equipment and facilities, and milk collection station.

The Company recorded depreciation expense of $2.9 million and $2.7 million for the fiscal quarters ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, and $8.6million and $7.7 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
 
7.
DEBT

As of December 31, 2011 and March 31, 2011, the Company had short-term debt from PRC banks in the amount of $94.2 million and $124.3 million, respectively.  The maturity dates of the short-term debt outstanding range from January 2012 to December 2012. The weighted average interest rate on short-term debt from banks outstanding at December 31, 2011 and March 31, 2011 was 6.2% and 5.0%, respectively. The short-term debt from banks at December 31, 2011 and March 31, 2011 were secured by the pledge of certain fixed assets held by the Company of $23.5 million and $24.4 million, respectively; the pledge of the Company’s land use right of $0.8 million and $0.8 million, respectively; and the pledge of cash deposits of $14.5 million and $16.8 million, respectively.
 
As of December 31, 2011 and March 31, 2011, the Company had long-term debt, including current portion, from banks in the amount of $110.3 million and $96.1 million, respectively. The maturity dates of the long-term debt outstanding range from January 2012 to September 2013. The weighted average interest rate of outstanding long-term debt at December 31, 2011 and March 31, 2011 was 6.3% and 6.0%, respectively. The indebtedness at December 31, 2011 and March 31, 2011 was secured by the pledge of certain fixed assets of $8.0 million and $8.0 million, respectively; the pledge of land use right of $1.9 million and $1.9 million, respectively; and the pledge of cash deposits of $21.0 million and nil, respectively.

As of December 31, 2011, the Company had long-term loan from a related party of $3.9 million. The maturity date of the long-term related party loan is in November 2013, and is extendable on the same terms upon maturity as agreed by both parties. The interest rate of the long-term loan at December 31, 2011 and March 31, 2011 was 10.0%. The interest expense of related party loans for the fiscal quarters ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 were both $97,000, and for nine months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 were both $290,000, respectively. On October 4, 2011, the Company made an early repayment of $1.0 million of interest after receiving approval of the Board of Directors. The related party loan balance as of March 31, 2011 included principal of $3.9 million and interest of $0.9 million.

 
 
8.
OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES

   
December 31, 2011
   
March 31, 2011
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Accrued sales deduction
 
$
2,523
   
$
3,898
 
Payroll and bonus payables
   
6,865
     
4,907
 
Accrued selling and marketing expenses
   
1,428
     
1,486
 
Accrued advertising and promotion expenses
   
16,326
     
11,726
 
Other tax payable
   
3,250
     
 
Others
   
4,235
     
3,896
 
Total
 
$
34,627
   
$
25,913
 

9.
INCOME TAXES
 
The effective tax rate is based on expected income (loss), statutory tax rates and incentives available in the various jurisdictions in which the Company operates. For interim financial reporting, the Company estimates the annual tax rate based on projected taxable income for the full year and records a quarterly income tax provision (benefit) in accordance with the ASC No. 740-270, “Income tax – Interim reporting”. As the year progresses, the Company refines the estimates of the year’s taxable income as new information becomes available. This continual estimation process often results in a change to the expected effective tax rate for the year. When this occurs, the Company adjusts the income tax provision (benefit) during the quarter in which the change in estimate occurs so that the year-to-date provision reflects the expected annual tax rate.

10.
EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE

For purposes of calculating basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share, the Company used the following weighted average shares of common stock outstanding:
 
  
 
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
  
 
December 31,
   
December 31,
 
  
 
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders
 
$
10,286
   
$
(20,479
 
$
9,215
   
$
(31,529
Basic weighted average shares of common stock outstanding
   
57,301
     
57,301
     
57,301
     
56,201
 
Dilutive potential shares of common stock
   
     
     
     
 
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
   
57,301
     
57,301
     
57,301
     
56,201
 
Earnings (loss) per share-basic
 
$
0.18
   
$
(0.36
)
 
$
0.16
   
$
(0.56
)
Earnings (loss) per share-diluted
 
$
0.18
   
$
(0.36
)
 
$
0.16
   
$
(0.56
)

The Company granted The Royal Bank of Scotland N.V. (“RBS”) warrants to purchase 400,000 shares of common stock in connection with a loan we had with RBS in fiscal year 2008. These warrants were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 as they would be anti-dilutive.
 
 
 
11.
SEGMENT REPORTING

The Company focuses on selling premium infant formula products, which are supplemented by more affordable infant formula products targeting the mass market as well as other nutritional products, such as adult powdered formula and prepared baby food, and certain nutritional ingredients and supplements. The activities of each segment are as follows:
 
Powdered Formula - Sales of powdered infant and adult formula products.
 
Baby Food - Sales of prepared baby food for babies and children.
 
Nutritional Ingredients and Supplements - Sales of nutritional ingredients and supplements such as chondroitin sulfate, and microencapsulated Docosahexanoic Acid (“DHA”) and Arachidonic Acid (“ARA”).
 
“All Other” includes non-core businesses such as sales of ingredients and materials to industrial customers.
 
The Company’s underlying accounting records are maintained on a legal entity basis for government and public reporting requirements. Segment disclosures are on a performance basis consistent with internal management reporting.

  
 
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
  
 
December 31,
   
December 31,
 
  
 
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(In thousands)
 
NET SALES TO EXTERNAL CUSTOMERS
                               
Powdered formula
 
$
99,843
   
$
20,722
   
$
219,115
   
$
137,251
 
Baby food
   
76
     
107
     
249
     
304
 
Nutritional ingredients and supplements
   
195
     
108
     
808
     
975
 
All other
   
14,248
     
23,296
     
37,000
     
30,692
 
Net sales
 
$
114,362
   
$
44,233
   
$
257,172
   
$
169,222
 
INTERSEGMENT SALES
                               
Powdered formula
 
$
   
$
1
   
$
   
$
1
 
Baby food
   
150
     
107
     
330
     
278
 
Nutritional ingredients and supplements
   
3,325
     
620
     
8,265
     
6,061
 
All other 
   
61
     
724
     
1,200
     
1,615
 
Intersegment sales
 
$
3,536
   
$
1,452
   
$
9,795
   
$
7,955
 
GROSS PROFIT
                               
Powdered formula
 
$
48,674
   
$
3,332
   
$
104,455
   
$
59,031
 
Baby food
   
(372
)
   
(462
)
   
(1,064
)
   
(674
)
Nutritional ingredients and supplements
   
(618
)
   
(148
)
   
(1,374
)
   
(877
)
All other 
   
(400
   
2,300
     
3,345
     
2,799
 
Gross profit
 
$
47,284
   
$
5,022
   
$
105,362
   
$
60,279
 
Selling and distribution expenses
   
12,619
     
12,714
     
37,408
     
37,551
 
Advertising and promotion expenses
   
7,588
     
10,451
     
22,638
     
35,107
 
General and administrative expenses
   
7,365
     
6,130
     
20,616
     
20,576
 
Impairment of goodwill
   
     
     
     
1,440
 
Other operating income, net
   
1,721
     
173
     
1,901
     
484
 
Income (loss) from operations
   
21,433
     
(24,100
)
   
26,601
     
(33,911
)
Interest expense
   
3,841
     
2,626
     
11,125
     
7,401
 
Interest income
   
481
     
187
     
1,404
     
432
 
Other income (expense), net
   
(509
   
73
     
63
     
298
 
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)
 
$
17,564
   
$
(26,466
 
$
16,943
   
$
(40,582

   
December 31, 2011
   
March 31, 2011
 
   
(In thousands)
 
TOTAL ASSETS
           
Powdered formula
 
$
400,049
   
$
398,801
 
Baby food
   
27,224
     
26,991
 
Nutritional ingredients and supplements
   
30,371
     
32,637
 
All other
   
152,959
     
138,385
 
Intersegment elimination
   
(203,523
)
   
(198,110
)
Total
 
$
407,080
   
$
398,704
 
 
12.
CONTINGENCIES

The Company is subject to legal proceedings and claims which arise in the ordinary course of business. Claims have been made against the Company from time to time. The Company intends to contest each lawsuit vigorously. The Company is not involved in any legal proceedings which it believes will have the potential for a materially adverse impact on the Company’s business or financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
 
13.
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

There was no material event to be reported.
 
 

Sections of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (the “Form 10-Q”) including, in particular, the Company’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contain forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict; therefore, actual results may differ materially from those expressed, implied or forecasted in any such forward-looking statements.

Expressions of future goals and expectations or similar expressions including, without limitation, “may,” “should,” “could,” “expects,” “does not currently expect,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential,” “targets,” or “continue,” reflecting something other than historical fact are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The factors described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K under Part I. Item 1A. Risk Factors and below in Part II. Other Information – Item 1A. Risk Factors could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. Unless required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. However, readers should carefully review the reports and documents the Company files from time to time with the SEC, particularly its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Annual Report on Form 10-K , Current Reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to those reports.

Available Information

The Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to reports filed pursuant to Sections 13(a) and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), are filed with the SEC. Such reports and other information filed by the Company with the SEC are available on the Company’s website at http://www.synutra.com when such reports are available on the SEC website. The public may read and copy any materials filed by the Company with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Room 1580, Washington, DC 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC at http://www.sec.gov. The contents of these websites are not incorporated into this filing. Further, the Company’s references to the URLs for these websites are intended to be inactive textual references only.
 
Overview
 
We are a leading infant formula company in China. We principally produce, market and sell our products under the “Shengyuan” or “Synutra” name, together with other complementary brands in mainland China. We focus 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. We sell our products through an extensive nationwide sales and distribution network covering all provinces and provincial-level municipalities in mainland China. As of December 31, 2011, this network is comprised of over 650 independent distributors and over 860 independent sub-distributors who sell our products in over 68,000 retail outlets.
 
We currently have three reportable segments which are:

o
Powdered formula segment: Powdered formula segment covers the sale of powdered infant and adult formula products. Major brands include Super, U-Smart, My Angel and Helanruniu;
   
o
Baby food segment: Baby food segment covers the sale of prepared baby food for babies and children. It includes the brand of Huiliduo;
   
o
Nutritional ingredients and supplements segment: Nutritional ingredients and supplements segment covers the production and sale of nutritional ingredients and supplements such as chondroitin sulfate, and microencapsulated Docosahexanoic Acid (“DHA”) and Arachidonic Acid (“ARA”).
 
Our Other business includes non-core businesses such as sales of milk powder, whey protein and raw milk to industrial customers.
 
 
In August 2010, there were several media reports alleging our infant formula products caused symptoms of hormone-triggered sexual prematurity in infants in the Hubei province of China (the media reports, together with the reactions thereto, the “prematurity event”). In response to such media reports, the Ministry of Health (“MOH”) of China conducted tests on samples of our products and concluded that there was no link between our infant milk powder products and premature development in infants.

The following table shows our results as impacted by the prematurity event and our efforts to recover from it:

     
Fiscal Year 2011
     
Fiscal Year 2012
 
     
Q1
     
Q2
     
Q3
     
Q4
     
Q1
     
Q2
     
Q3
 
Powdered formula segment
   
(in thousands)
 
- Net sales
 
$
79,244
   
$
37,285
   
$
20,722
   
$
48,318
   
$
40,163
 
$
79,109
#
 
$
99,843
 
- Gross profit
   
45,054
     
10,645
     
3,332
     
19,280
     
16,936
     
38,845
     
48,674
 
- Gross margin
   
56.9%
     
28.6%
     
16.1%
     
39.9%
     
42.2%
     
49.1%
     
48.8%
 
                                                         
Overall
                                                       
- Income (loss) from operations
   
16,290
     
(26,101
)
   
(24,100
)
   
(6,431
)
   
(9,859
)
   
15,027
     
21,433
 

* Excluding the net sales of $16.6 million for the delayed shipment which was recorded in July 2011 as discussed below.
# Including the above net sales of $16.6 million for delayed shipment from the prior period. The gross profit amount of the delayed shipment would have been approximately $9 million.

Our net sales of powdered formula segment for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2011 was $99.8 million, compared to $79.1 million for the previous quarter. Our gross profit of the powdered formula segment for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2011 was $48.7 million, compared to $38.8 million for the previous quarter. Our net income attributable to Synutra International, Inc. common stockholders for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2011 was $10.3 million, compared to $8.5 million for the previous quarter.

Due to a delay in the shipment of high oil whey powder from our overseas supplier during the quarter ended June 30, 2011, we produced high oil whey powder at our Zhangjiakou plant to make up for the shortfall. However, we detected an excess amount of Enterobacter Sakazakii, a kind of bacteria, during our quality control procedures which prompted us to stop the production process and conduct a thorough cleaning of the production line. This cleaning process took time and caused the shipments of certain customer orders to be delayed until July. As a result, a portion of the sales that would have been recognized during the June quarter were delayed to the September quarter. Had the delayed shipments been made on time, we would have had an additional $16.6 million in net sales in the June quarter. Excluding the impact of the delayed shipment, our net sales of powdered formula segment would have been $56.8 million in the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2011 and our net sales for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2011 would have been $62.5 million, representing steady sequential improvements. Had the sales been recognized in the June quarter, we estimate that the net loss attributable to Synutra International, Inc. common stockholders in the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2011 would have been approximately $3 million as compared to the $9.6 million reported in our First Quarter 10-Q. We estimate that the net income for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2011 would have been approximately $2 million as compared to the $8.5 million reported. We do not expect similar shipment delays to occur in our normal course of business operation in the following reporting periods.
 
In addition, we recorded imported whole milk powder sales of $11.5 million in other business during the quarter ended December 31, 2011, comparing to $16.0 million in the prior quarter. As discussed in our prior filings, the sale of imported whole milk powder is not part of our core business. Depending on our cash flow situation, we adjust the amount of whole milk powder imported and sold from time to time.

We rely less on television advertising than our multinational competitors. In the quarter ended December 31, 2011, we continued to focus on enhancing the effectiveness of our sales network, and emphasizing close communications with our end customers. We continued to provide educational and information support to healthcare professionals, especially in rural areas, and to provide advices to parents on feeding babies. We implemented marketing strategies which involve face to face meetings with end customers, conducting retail site demonstrations, organizing local promotional events, and sponsoring community workshops and projects. We believe these close contacts with end customers contributed to our recovery and growth.

In particular, in the quarter ended December 31, 2011, we performed nation-wide promotional activities on the Super – Love series, a sub-brand of Super series, which increased the sales volume of the series. The net sales of Helanruniu series also increased in this quarter as Helanruniu brand adult milk powder products are often purchased as gifts to friends and family ahead of the spring festival holiday in January.

In addition, since the week-long spring festival holiday came early in mid January 2012, certain distributors placed their January 2012 orders in December, 2011. We estimate that approximately $6 million of December 2011 sales can be attributed to the early spring festival. This also contributed to the increases of net income in the quarter ended December 31, 2011.

 
 
In January 2012, several Chinese media outlets reported that a pair of 4-month old twins in Jiangxi province became ill with severe intestinal symptoms. One passed away from hyperthermia and multi-functional organ failure on January 7, 2012. The other has recovered following hospitalization. Both infants were reported to have been consuming the Company’s powdered milk formula products for weeks before the sudden onset of their illnesses. In response to this event, the Jiangxi Province Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the Jiangxi Dairy Quality Supervision and Inspection Center (the “Authorities”) conducted tests on samples of the Company’s products that were sold in the store where the infants’ family purchased the formula and concluded that there was no link between the infant milk powder products and the death of the baby or the illness of his twin sister. Management is evaluating the impact of this event on its business.

Unless otherwise noted, all translations from Renminbi to U.S. dollars were made at the mid rate published by the People’s Bank of China, or the mid rate, as of December 31, 2011, which was RMB 6.3009 to $1.00. We make no representation that the Renminbi amounts referred to in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q could have been or could be converted into U.S. dollars at any particular rate or at all. On February 6, 2012, the mid rate was RMB 6.3108 to $1.00.
 
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

We follow certain significant accounting policies when preparing our consolidated financial statements. A summary of these policies is included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2011 under “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates”. The preparation of these financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect our reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. We evaluate these estimates and judgments on an ongoing basis and base our estimates on historical experience, current conditions and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. The results of these estimates form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities as well as identifying and assessing the accounting treatment with respect to commitments and contingencies. Our actual results may differ from these estimates.

We believe that the estimates, assumptions and judgments involved in the accounting policies described in the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” section of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K have the greatest potential impact on our financial statements, so we consider these to be our critical accounting policies.
 
We recognize revenue based on the terms and conditions described in the distributor agreements and described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2011 under the Revenue section of “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates”. Revenue was recognized when title and risk and rewards for the products are transferred to the distributor, price was fixed and determinable and collectability was reasonably assured. Under the distributor arrangement, evidenced by purchase order together with advance payment, sales revenue was realized and earned upon acceptance of delivery of products by the distributors.

In August 2011, we amended our distribution agreement with a significant distributor, which provided that the title of the goods is not provided to the distributor until cash is received. Revenue is now recognized when cash is received from that distributor for sales in which (i) there is evidence of an arrangement, (ii) delivery has occurred, (iii) pricing is determinable, and (iv) collection is made. Inventory held on consignment by the distributor is now included in our finished goods inventory.

 
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Three months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010

Net Sales
 
Net sales for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2011 was $114.4 million compared to $44.2 million for the same period in the previous year. This increase in net sales was mainly due to the increase in net sales of the powdered formula segment, as the business was recovering steadily.

Powdered formula segment
 
Net sales of our powdered formula products, including infant powdered formula and other powdered formula products for children and adults under the brand names such as Super, U-Smart, My Angel, Helanruniu, accounted for 87.3% of our total sales for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2011. Net sales of our powdered formula products for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2011 was $99.8 million, compared to $20.7 million for the same period in the previous year, primarily as a result of the following factors:  
 
 
·
Sales volume of powdered formula products increased to 9,088 tons for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2011 from 4,063 tons for the same period in the previous year, due primarily to the recovery from the prematurity event.
 
 
·
The average selling price of our powdered formula products for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2011 was $10,986 per ton, compared to $5,100 per ton for the same period in the previous year. The increase in average selling price is mainly due to our fixed discounts to our distributors. Since our sales volume increased as a result of recovery from the prematurity event and the discounts have decreased as a percentage of sales, our average selling price has improved and returned to the level before the prematurity event.
 
Baby food segment
 
Net sales of baby food segment for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2011 was $76,000, compared to $107,000 for the same period in the previous year. The product mix in this segment is comprised mainly of prepared baby food, such as cooked meat and vegetables. As part of our sustained response to the prematurity event, we continued to focus our efforts during the quarter on the recovery of the powdered formula segment, and did not develop the baby food segment as planned.
 
Nutritional ingredients and supplements segment
 
Net sales of nutritional ingredients and supplements segment was $195,000 and $108,000 for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The product mix in this segment is comprised mainly of chondroitin sulfate sold to third parties. There were also inter-segment sales of $3.3 million of nutritional ingredients, such as microencapsulated DHA and ARA, which were used in the production of powdered infant formula products, compared to $620,000 for the same period in the previous year.
 
Other

Other sales for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2011 were $14.2 million, which mainly included sales of whole milk powder imported from New Zealand of $11.5 million, compared to $23.3 million for the same period in the previous year.  
 
 
 
Cost of Sales
 
Cost of sales for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2011 was $67.1 million, compared to $39.2 million for the same period in the previous year. The increase in the cost of sales is mainly due to the increased sales of powdered formula products.
 
Powdered formula segment
 
Cost of sales for the powdered formula segment for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2011 was $51.2 million, compared to $17.4 million for the same period in the previous year. The increase in the cost of sales is due to the increase in sales volume as we are recovering from the prematurity event, and the increase in promotional product cost.
 
Baby food segment
 
Cost of sales for the baby food segment for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2011 was $448,000, compared to $569,000 for the same period in the previous year.
 
Nutritional ingredients and supplements segment
 
Cost of sales for the nutritional ingredients and supplements segment was $813,000 and $256,000 for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Other
 
Other cost of sales for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2011 was $14.6 million, which mainly included the cost of sales of whole milk powder imported from New Zealand of $12.6 million, compared to $21.0 million for the same period in the previous year.
 
Gross Profit and Gross Margin
 
As a result of the foregoing, gross profit for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2011 was $47.3 million, compared to $5.0 million for the same period in the previous year. Gross profit for our powdered formula products for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2011 was $48.7 million, compared to $3.3 million for the same period in the previous year.
 
Our overall gross margin increased to 41.3% for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2011 from 11.4% for the same period in the previous year. Our gross margin for powdered formula segment was 48.8% for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2011, compared to 16.1% for the same period in the previous year.
 
Selling and Distribution Expenses
 
Selling and distribution expenses for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2011 decreased slightly to $12.6 million from $12.7 million for the same period in the previous year. The major portion of selling and distribution expenses are compensation expense, freight charges, and travelling expense. The slight decrease was mainly due to the decrease in travelling expense, as we had tight expense control, partially offset by the increase in freight charges caused by increased sales volume.
 
Advertising and Promotion Expenses
 
Advertising and promotion expenses for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2011 was $7.6 million, compared to $10.5 million for the same period in the previous year. Advertising expenses for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2011 were $2.6 million, compared to $6.6 million for the same period in the previous year, as we spent significantly on media advertising immediately after the prematurity event to advocate our position. Promotion expenses for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2011 were $5.0 million, compared to $3.8 million for the same period in the previous year, which mainly consists of accrual for the bonus point plan.
 
 
 
General and Administrative Expenses
 
General and administrative expenses for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2011 was $7.4 million, compared to $6.1 million for the same period in the previous year.
 
Other Operating Income, Net
 
Other operating income for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2011 was $1.7 million, compared to $173,000 for the same period in the previous year. The income represented general purpose subsidy from a local government agent.
 
Interest Expense

Interest expense for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2011 increased to $3.8 million from $2.6 million for the same period in the previous year. The increase was mainly due to the increase in weighted average loan balance, and the increase in weighted average interest rate of borrowings from PRC banks, as China’s central bank raised benchmark lending rates several times since October 2010.

Interest Income
 
Interest income for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2011 was $481,000, compared to $187,000 for the same period in the previous year. The increase is mainly due to the increased weighted average restricted cash balance, which earns a higher interest rate than cash and cash equivalents, and the increase in the interest rate of deposit, as China’s central bank raised benchmark deposit rates several times since October 2010.

 Other Income (Expense), Net
 
Other expense for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2011 was $509,000, which was mainly due to donations of powdered formula products of $515,000 to welfare centers for children in the northeast region of China. Other income for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2010 was $73,000.
 
Income Tax Expense
 
As a result of the income generated, we recorded an income tax expense of $7.2 million for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2011, compared to income tax benefit of $5.9 million for the same period in the previous year.
 
Net income (Loss) Attributable to Synutra International, Inc. Common Stockholders
 
As a result of the foregoing, net income attributable to Synutra International, Inc. for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2011 was $10.3 million, compared to net loss of $20.5 million for the same period in the previous year.
 
 
 
Nine months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010

Net Sales
 
Net sales for the nine months ended December 31, 2011 was $257.2 million, compared to $169.2 million for the same period in the previous year. This increase in net sales was mainly due to the increases in powdered milk formula sales.

Powdered formula segment
 
Net sales of our powdered formula products, including infant powdered formula and other powdered formula products for children and adults under the brand names such as Super, U-Smart, My Angel, Helanruniu, etc, accounted for 85.2% of our total sales for the nine months ended December 31, 2011. Net sales of our powdered formula products for the nine months ended December 31, 2011 was $219.1 million, compared to $137.3 million for the same period in the previous year, primarily as a result of the following factors:  
 
 
·
Sales volume of powdered formula products was 21,716 tons for the nine months ended December 31, 2011, compared to 18,870 tons for the same period in the previous year, due primarily to the recovery from the prematurity event since the second quarter of fiscal year 2012.
 
 
·
The average selling price of our powdered formula products for the nine months ended December 31, 2011 was $10,090 per ton from $7,274 per ton for the same period in the previous year. The increase in average selling price is mainly due to our fixed discounts to our distributors. Since our sales volume increased along with our recovery from the prematurity event and the discounts have decreased as a percentage of sales, our average selling price has been improving and has returned to the level before the prematurity event.
 
Baby food segment
 
Net sales of baby food segment for the nine months ended December 31, 2011 was $249,000, compared to $304,000 for the same period in the previous year. The product mix in this segment is comprised mainly of prepared baby food, such as cooked meat and vegetables. As part of our sustained response to the prematurity event, we continued to focus our efforts during the nine months on the recovery of the powdered formula segment, and did not develop the baby food segment as planned.
 
Nutritional ingredients and supplements segment
 
Net sales of nutritional ingredients and supplements segment was $808,000 and $975,000 for the nine months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The product mix in this segment is comprised mainly of chondroitin sulfate sold to third parties. There were also inter-segment sales of $8.3 million of nutritional ingredients, such as microencapsulated DHA and ARA, which were used in the production of powdered infant formula products, compared to $6.1 million for the same period in the previous year.
 
Other

Other sales for the nine months ended December 31, 2011 were $37.0 million which mainly included sales of whole milk powder imported from New Zealand of $26.4 million, compared to $30.7 million for the same period in the previous year.
 
 
 
Cost of Sales
 
Cost of sales for the nine months ended December 31, 2011 was $151.8 million, compared to $108.9 million for the same period in the previous year. The increase in the cost of sales is mainly due to the cost of sales of powdered formula segment.
 
Powdered formula segment
 
Cost of sales for the powdered formula segment for the nine months ended December 31, 2011 was $114.7 million, compared to $78.2 million for the same period in the previous year. The increase in the cost of sales is due to the increase in sales volume, and the increase in promotional product cost.
 
Baby food segment
 
Cost of sales for the baby food segment for the nine months ended December 31, 2011 was $1.3 million, compared to $978,000 for the same period in the previous year.
 
Nutritional ingredients and supplements segment
 
Cost of sales for the nutritional ingredients and supplements segment was $2.2 million and $1.9 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Other
 
Other cost of sales for the nine months ended December 31, 2011 was $33.7 million which mainly included the cost of sales of whole milk powder imported from New Zealand of $27.5 million, compared to $27.9 million for the same period in the previous year.
 
 
 
Gross Profit and Gross Margin
 
As a result of the foregoing, gross profit for the nine months ended December 31, 2011 was $105.4 million, compared to $60.3 million for the same period in the previous year. Gross profit for our powdered formula products for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2011 was $104.5 million, compared to $59.0 million for the same period in the previous year.
 
Our overall gross margin was 41.0% for the nine months ended December 31, 2011, compared to 35.6% for the same period in the previous year. Our gross margin for powdered formula segment was 47.7% for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2011, compared to 43.0% for the same period in the previous year.
 
Selling and Distribution Expenses
 
Selling and distribution expenses for the nine months ended December 31, 2011 was $37.4 million, compared to $37.6 million for the same period in the previous year. The major portion of the selling and distribution expenses are compensation expense, freight charges, and travelling expense. The slight decrease was mainly due to the decrease in travelling expense, as we had tight expense control, partially offset by the increase in freight charges caused by increased sales volume.
 
Advertising and Promotion Expenses
 
Advertising and promotion expenses for the nine months ended December 31, 2011 was $22.6 million, compared to $35.1 million for the same period in the previous year. Advertising expenses for the nine months ended December 31, 2011 decreased to $8.1 million from $20.6 million for the same period in the previous year, as we spent significantly on media advertising immediately after the prematurity event to advocate our position. Promotion expenses for the nine months ended December 31, 2011 was $14.5 million, compared to $14.5 million for the same period in the previous year.
 
 
 
General and Administrative Expenses
 
General and administrative expenses stayed constant at $20.6 million for both the nine months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010.

Impairment of goodwill
 
No goodwill impairment occurred in the nine months ended December 31, 2011. Impairment of goodwill for the nine months ended December 31, 2010 was $1.4 million, which represented the difference between the estimated fair value and carrying value of goodwill generated in the acquisition of the baby food business.
 
Other Operating Income, Net
 
Other operating income for the nine months ended December 31, 2011 was $1.9 million, compared to $484,000 for the same period in the previous year. The income represented general purpose subsidy from a local government agent.
 
Interest Expense

Interest expense for the nine months ended December 31, 2011 increased to $11.1 million from $7.4 million for the same period in the previous year. The increase was mainly due to the increase in weighted average loan balance, and the increase in weighted average interest rate of borrowings from PRC banks, as China’s central bank raised benchmark lending rates several times since October 2010.

Interest Income
 
Interest income for the nine months ended December 31, 2011 was $1.4 million, compared to $432,000 for the same period in the previous year. The increase is mainly due to the increased weighted average restricted cash balance, which earns a higher interest rate than cash and cash equivalents, and the increase in the interest rate of deposit, as China’s central bank raised benchmark deposit rates several times since October 2010.
 
Other Income, Net
 
Other income for the nine months ended December 31, 2011 was $63,000, comparing to $298,000 for the nine months ended December 31, 2010.
 
Income Tax Benefit
 
As a result of the income generated, we recorded an income tax expense of $7.4 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2011, compared to income tax benefit of $8.9 million for the same period in the previous year. Our effective tax rate was 43.5% for the nine months ended December 31, 2011 compared to 22.0% for the same period in the previous year, which was mainly due to impairment of certain PRC subsidiaries’ deferred tax assets related to loss carryforwards.
 
Net income (Loss) Attributable to Synutra International, Inc. Common Stockholders
 
As a result of the foregoing, net income attributable to Synutra International, Inc. for the nine months ended December 31, 2011 was $9.2 million, compared to net loss of $31.5 million for the same period in the previous year.
 
 
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Our primary sources of liquidity are cash from operations and available borrowings. Cash flows from operating activities represent the inflow of cash from our customers and the outflow of cash for inventory purchases, manufacturing, operating expenses, interest and taxes. Cash flows used in investing activities primarily represent capital expenditures for equipment and buildings. Cash flows from financing activities primarily represent borrowings from banks, and for the nine months ended December 31, 2010, it also includes the issuance of 3.3 million shares of common stock, with net proceeds of approximately $58.8 million.

Our cash and cash equivalent decreased from $48.7 million as of March 31, 2011 to $45.8 million as of December 31, 2011. As we improve our financial performance, we believe that our future cash and cash equivalent will be sufficient for our operating needs. Depending on our cash flow situation, we may from time to time adjust the amount of milk powder imported and sold.
 
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, certain information relating to our cash flows:
 
   
Nine Months Ended December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
     
(in thousands)
 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
 
$
39,775
   
$
(59,875
)
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(20,009
   
(2,125
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
   
(24,549
   
53,910
 
Effect of foreign currency translation on cash and cash equivalents
   
1,818
     
1,389
 
Net cash flow
 
$
(2,965
 
$
(6,701

Cash Flows from Operating Activities
 
Net cash provided by operating activities was $39.8 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2011, compared to net cash used in operating activities of $59.9 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2010. Net cash provided by operating activities for the nine months ended December 31, 2011 included net income of $9.6 million, non-cash items not affecting cash flows of $22.9 million, and a $7.3 million decrease in working capital. Accounts receivable increased along with the increase in net sales. Inventory decreased as we disposed surplus imported milk powder. We accrued for the promotion related cost which increased the other current liabilities’ balance. In the nine months ended December 31, 2011, we spent $203.2 million to purchase raw materials and other production materials, $33.0 million in staff compensation and social welfare, $19.4 million in other taxes, $36.7 million in selling and distribution, advertising and promotion, and general and administrative expenses, $10.9 million in interest payment, and received $343.1 million from our customers.
 
 
 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
 
Net cash used in investing activities was $20.0 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2011, compared to net cash used in investing activities of $2.1 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2010. Cash invested in purchases of property and equipment was $10.6 million and $3.8 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Cash outflow for restricted cash was $9.8 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2011, compared to cash outflow of $7.1 million for the comparing period. Restricted cash represents cash deposited with banks as security against the issuance of letters of credit for the import of raw materials and as pledges for certain short-term and long-term borrowings.
 
 Cash Flows from Financing Activities
 
Net cash used in financing activities was $24.6 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2011, as compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $53.9 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2010. Cash used in financing activities during the nine months ended December 31, 2011 was primarily related to the difference between the $218.4 million in short and long-term loans received from banks and the $243.0 million in short and long-term loans repaid to banks.
  
Outstanding Indebtedness
 
For information on our short-term and long-term borrowings, see “Item 1. Financial Statements—Note 7.”
 
Contractual Obligations

For information on our contractual obligations, please refer to Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity and Capital Resources - Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations.”as presented in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011. 

Capital Expenditures
 
Our capital expenditures for the nine months ended December 31, 2011 were $10.6 million, compared to $3.8 million for the same period in the previous year.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
We do not have off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that is material to investors.
 
 
 
 
There is no material change in the information reported under Item 7A, “Foreign Exchange Risk”, “Inflation”, “Interest Rate Risk”, “Concentration of Credit Risk” and “Commodities Risk” contained in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011.

 
Conclusion Regarding Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
The Company’s management, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this report.
 
Based on such evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of December 31, 2011, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is (a) recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and (b) accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
 
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 
Other than the change described below, there have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) during the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2011, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

We are in the process of conducting a search to replace the Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) that resigned on August 29, 2011. In the interim, Mr. Weiguo Zhang has served as interim CFO. We are continuing to actively search for a qualified candidate. However, until we are able to fill this position, our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15 (f) and 15d-15 (f) of the Exchange Act) may be materially affected.
 
 
 
PART II
OTHER INFORMATION

 
 As of December 31, 2011, the end of the period covered by this report, the Company was subject to legal proceedings and claims discussed below, as well as certain other legal proceedings and claims that have not been fully resolved and that have arisen in the ordinary course of business. Other than as discussed below, in the opinion of management, the Company does not have a potential liability related to any current legal proceedings and claims that would individually or in the aggregate have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or operating results. However, the results of legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty. The Company intends to contest each lawsuit vigorously but should the Company fail to prevail in any of these legal matters or should several of these legal matters be resolved against the Company in the same reporting period, the operating results of a particular reporting period could be materially and adversely affected.


For information regarding the risks and uncertainties affecting our business, please refer to “Part I, Item 1A Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011. There have been no material changes to these risks and uncertainties during the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2011.
  

None.


None.


Not applicable.


None.

 
Exhibit Number
 
Description
31.1
 
Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a), promulgated under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
31.2
 
Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a), promulgated under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
32.1
 
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Chief Executive Officer)
32.2
 
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Chief Financial Officer)
101
 
Interactive data files pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T: (i) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets—December 31, 2011 and March 31, 2011, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operation—Three Months and Nine months Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income(Loss)—Three Months and Nine months Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity—Nine months Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, (v) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows—Nine months Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, and (vi) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited).*
 
 

*
As provided in Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, this information is furnished and not filed for purposes of Sections 11 and 12 of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
 
 
 
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
   
SYNUTRA INTERNATIONAL, INC.
 
       
       
Date:  February 9, 2012
 
By:
/s/ Liang Zhang
 
       
Name:
Liang Zhang
 
       
Title:
Chief Executive Officer and Chairman
 
           
     
By:
/s/ Weiguo Zhang
 
       
Name:
Weiguo Zhang
 
       
Title:
Interim Chief Financial Officer and President