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8-K - FORM 8-K - Synutra International, Inc.dp36109_8k.htm
Exhibit 99.1


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Synutra Reports Third Quarter and First Nine Months of Fiscal 2013 Financial Results


Qingdao, China and Rockville, Md. – February 8, 2013 – Synutra International, Inc. (NASDAQ: SYUT), (“Synutra” or the “Company”), which owns subsidiaries in China that produce, market and sell nutritional products for infants, children and adults, today announced financial results for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2013 ended December 31, 2012.

Mr. Liang Zhang, Chairman and CEO of Synutra, commented, “Our fiscal third quarter results reflected the beginning of recovery from the sales slowdown attributable to the retail price increase implemented in our fiscal first quarter. The modest sequential revenue growth was driven by higher consumption of branded infant formula products in the winter months as compared to the summer months, as well as increased sales orders from distributors in anticipation of the Chinese New Year holiday in early February. Sales orders measured in tons increased by 28% to 5,875 tons from 4,605 tons in the fiscal second quarter and gross margin increased to 43%, a sequential improvement largely due to the reduction of lower-margin industrial sales in our revenue mix, less free products provided to distributors and a change in the redemption policy in our customer loyalty program.”

“We believe the retail price increase we implemented in 2012 on our branded infant formula products are gaining broader consumer acceptance at the retail level and we continue to improve operational efficiency in our business.  As discussed last quarter, in light of a maturing infant formula market in China along with intensified competition among multinational and domestic infant formula brands in China, we shifted our strategy from focusing on rapid brand expansion to a focus on the better management of our sales channels and retail outlets.  We made clear progress in recent months implementing the “Gold Mining” program, adjusting our sales management approach to focus on margins instead of quantity, and with increased attention on store yield and efficiency.  At the end of our fiscal third quarter, the number of retail outlets served decreased significantly from approximately 63,000 to 27,000.  In tandem with these changes, our sales force is becoming more streamlined, better equipped, and ready to take on the competitive challenges of today's infant formula market.  This adjustment will serve us well in the long-term, improving the overall health of our sales channel system and improving greater operating efficiency and profitability.”

“Moving forward, we expect sustained levels of growth in China’s infant formula industry for the foreseeable future and believe the operating adjustments we recently implemented will better position Synutra for long-term success in China’s branded infant formula category.  Further, we are well positioned in our nutritional ingredient and supplements segment for rapid growth.Our shipment of chondroitin sulfate to third-party customers increased significantly in the first nine months of our fiscal year over our prior period and we expect this category to contribute more meaningfully to our revenue performance in the coming quarters.  We are pleased to expect a return to profitability in our fiscal fourth quarter and believe we have improved our growth prospects for our shareholders,” concluded Mr. Zhang.


Formula Sale Performance
 
 
 

 

 
      4Q12       1Q13       2Q13       3Q13  
Net sales of powdered formula segment
    82,549       50,455       50,090       62,390  
Market share (CIC data)*
    5.1%       4.9%       4.7%       4.9%  
* CIC is the Commercial Information Center of China.  Market share data reflect 3-month average of the quarter

 
Financial Results for the Third Quarter of Fiscal 2013 versus the Second Quarter of Fiscal 2013
   
Quarter Ended
   
QoQ Change
 
   
December 31, 2012
   
September 30, 2012
             
 (in USD 000's except per share and percentage data)
                       
Net sales
    73,228       66,100       7,128       11 %
                                 
Cost of sales
    41,717       48,626       (6,909 )     -14 %
Gross profit
    31,511       17,474       14,037       80 %
Gross margin
    43.0%       26.4%                  
                                 
Selling and distribution expenses
    14,488       14,298       190       1 %
Advertising and promotion expenses
    9,910       10,186       (276 )     -3 %
General and administrative expenses
    6,967       7,162       (195 )     -3 %
Other operating income, net
    216       80       136       170 %
Total operating expense
    31,149       31,566       (417 )     -1 %
                                 
Income (Loss) from operations
    362       (14,092 )     14,454       -103 %
Operating margin
    0.7%       -21.3%                  
                                 
Interest income, interest expense and other income (loss), net
    2,844       1,233       1,611       131 %
Income tax expense (benefit)
    10,971       29,018       (18,047 )     -62 %
Net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest
    (183 )     (157 )     (26 )     17 %
                                 
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders
    (13,270 )     (44,186 )     30,916       -70 %
                                 
Income (loss) per share – Basic and diluted
    $(0.23 )     $(0.77 )     (0.54 )     -70 %
                                 
                                 
 
 
 

 

 
Net sales increased 11% to $73.2 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2013 from $66.1 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2013. Net sales from the Company’s branded powdered formula segment were $62.4 million, or 85% of net sales in the quarter, compared to $50.1 million, or 76% of net sales, in the previous quarter.  By volume, sales of powdered formula products were5,875 tons in the third quarter which increased from 4,605 tons in the previous quarter.

Net sales from Other Products, which includes imported whole milk powder and whey protein powder sold to industrial customers, was $10.6 million, or 14% of net sales, in the third quarter of fiscal 2013, compared to $14.6 million, or 22% of net sales in the previous quarter. This decrease was due to sales of imported milk powder to industrial customers of $6.1 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2013, compared to $12.1 million in the previous quarter.

Gross profit was $31.5 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2013, compared $17.5 million in the previous quarter. Gross margin in the third quarter of fiscal 2013increased to 43% compared to 26% in the previous quarter. The increase is primarily attributed to the decrease in the lower-margin industrial sales of whole milk powder and whey protein powder in the net sales mix. Powdered formula margin increased to 52% from 43% in the previous quarter. The sequential increase in powdered formula margins was due to a change in the redemption policy of our customer loyalty program and the decrease in free products provided to distributors in the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2012.

Income from operations was $362 thousand, compared to loss from operations of $14.1 million in the previous quarter. Total operating expenses were $31.1 million, compared with $31.6 million in the previous quarter.

Selling and distribution expenses were $14.5 million, compared with $14.3 million in the previous quarter.

Advertising and promotional expenses were $9.9 million, compared with $10.2 million in the previous quarter.

General and administrative expenses were $7.0 million, compared with $7.2 million in the previous quarter.

Fiscal 2013 third quarter income tax expense decreased to $11.0 million from an income tax expense of $29.0 million in the fiscal second quarter.  The income tax expense for the fiscal third quarter and previous quarter includes a $11.1 million and $25.4 million charge from an increase in the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets attributable to certain PRC subsidiaries, respectively.  As of December 31, 2012 the net balance of our deferred tax assets is nil.

Net loss attributable to common stockholders, including the $11.1 million of valuation allowance for deferred tax assets, was $13.3 million in the third quarter of fiscal year 2013, or $(0.23) per diluted share, decreased from a net loss of $44.2 million, including $25.4 million of valuation allowance for deferred tax assets, or $(0.77) per diluted share, in the previous quarter.

First Nine Months Ended December 31, 2012 Financial Results
Net sales for the first nine months of fiscal 2013 ended December 31, 2012 decreased to $192.9 million from $257.2 million in the prior year period. Net sales from branded powdered formula products decreased to $162.9 million, or 84% of net sales, compared to $219.1 million, or 85% of net sales in the prior year period. The decrease was primarily due to the significant purchases
 
 
 

 
 
by distributors prior to our retail price increase effective April 1, 2012, and the short-term impact on orders as we implemented the Gold Mining program as noted above.

Net sales from Other Products, which consists mainly of sales of imported whole milk powder and whey protein sold to industrial customers, were $26.2 million, or 14% of net sales, compared to $37.0 million, or 14% of net sales, in the prior year period.

Gross profit decreased 37% to $66.3 million for first nine months of fiscal 2013 from $105.4 million in the prior year period. Gross margin was 34% compared to 41% for the prior year period. The gross margin decline was primarily attributable to increased cost of whey protein powder and inventory write-down for imported Super series.

Loss from operations was $23.3 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2013, compared to an operating income of $26.6 million in the prior year period.

Net loss attributable to Synutra International, Inc. common stockholders was $67.2 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2013, including $36.5 million of valuation allowance for deferred tax assets, or $(1.17) per diluted share, compared to a net income of $9.2 million, or $0.16 per diluted share, in the prior year period.

Balance Sheet
As of December 31, 2012, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $41.7 million and restricted cash of $82.0 million, including the current and non-current portion.  Net account receivables decreased from $47.1 million on September 30, 2012 to $45.2 million on December 31, 2012, while our sequential inventory position increased 3% to $79.2 million from $77.2 million.

Fiscal 2013 Business Outlook
Mr. Liang Zhang concluded, “For the full year of fiscal 2013, we currently expect revenue in the range of approximately $275 to 280 million and a net loss of approximately $65 to 67 million, including $36.5 million of valuation allowance for deferred tax assets.   In the fiscal fourth quarter, we expect revenue of approximately $82 to 87 million and a net profit of $1 to 3  million.


These forecasts reflect the Company’s current and preliminary view on the market and operational conditions, which are subject to change.

Conference Call Details
The Company will hold a conference call on Monday, February 11, 2013 at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss the financial results. Listeners may access the call by dialing the following numbers:
 
United States Toll Free:
 
+1 (855) 500-8701
International:
 
+65 6723-9385
Conference ID:
 
86670804

A webcast and replay 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 through its operating subsidiaries 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 all provinces and provincial-level municipalities in mainland China. As of December 31, 2012, this network comprised over 660 independent distributors and over 690 independent sub-distributors who sell Synutra products in approximately 27,000 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
       
(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share data)
       
(Unaudited)
       
 
   
December 31, 2012
   
March 31, 2012
 
ASSETS
           
Current Assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
    $41,743       $64,793  
Restricted cash
    70,663       30,425  
Accounts receivable, net of allowance
    45,203       38,753  
Inventories
    79,193       75,499  
Due from related parties
    6,656       12,262  
Income tax receivable
    35       227  
Receivable from assets disposal
    -       1,037  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    14,975       16,320  
Deferred tax assets
    -       17,827  
Total current assets
    258,468       257,143  
                 
Property, plant and equipment, net
    132,177       134,902  
Land use rights, net
    10,863       10,198  
Intangible assets, net
    4,379       4,377  
Restricted cash
    11,328       21,019  
Other assets
    1,063       1,367  
Deferred tax assets
    0       18,907  
TOTAL ASSETS
    $418,278       $447,913  
                 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
               
Current Liabilities:
               
Short-term debt
    $111,872       $86,614  
Long-term debt due within one year
    44,641       40,831  
Accounts payable
    47,510       70,927  
Due to related parties
    1,661       1,655  
Advances from customers
    11,780       5,991  
Other current liabilities
    57,509       40,560  
Total current liabilities
    274,973       246,578  
                 
Long-term debt
    97,513       92,745  
Deferred revenue
    4,184       4,377  
Capital lease obligations
    7,850       4,726  
Other long-term liabilities
    7,582       2,395  
Total liabilities
    392,102       350,821  
                 
Commitments and contingencies
               
                 
Equity:
               
Common stockholders' equity
               
Common stock, $.0001 par value: 250,000 authorized; 57,301 and 57,301 issued and outstanding at September 30, 2012 and March 31, 2012, respectively
    6       6  
Additional paid-in capital
    135,440       135,440  
Accumulated deficit
    (138,775 )     (71,620 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    29,148       32,201  
Total common stockholders’ equity
    25,819       96,027  
Noncontrolling interest
    357       1,065  
Total equity
    26,176       97,092  
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
    $418,278       $447,913  
 
 
 

 
 
Synutra International, Inc.
               
Consolidated Statements of Operations
               
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
               
(Unaudited)
               
 
   
Three Months Ended December 31,
   
Nine Months Ended December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
                         
Net sales
  $ 73,228     $ 114,362     $ 192,914     $ 257,172  
Cost of sales
    41,717       67,078       126,628       151,810  
                                 
Gross profit
    31,511       47,284       66,286       105,362  
                                 
Selling and distribution expenses
    14,488       12,619       41,903       37,408  
Advertising and promotion expenses
    9,910       7,588       26,900       22,638  
General and administrative expenses
    6,967       7,365       21,986       20,616  
Other operating income, net
    216       1,721       1,181       1,901  
                                 
Income (loss) from operations
    362       21,433       (23,322 )     26,601  
                                 
Interest expense
    4,021       3,841       11,511       11,125  
Interest income
    604       481       1,681       1,404  
Other income, net
    573       (509 )     2,666       63  
                                 
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)
    (2,482 )     17,564       (30,486 )     16,943  
                                 
Income tax expense
    10,971       7,162       37,086       7,370  
                                 
Net income (loss)
    (13,453 )     10,402       (67,572 )     9,573  
                                 
Net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest
    (183 )     116       (417 )     358  
                                 
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders
  $ (13,270 )   $ 10,286       (67,155 )     9,215  
                                 
Earnings (loss) per share - basic and diluted
  $ (0.23 )     $0.18       (1.17 )     0.16  
                                 
Weighted average common stock outstanding - basic and diluted
    57,301       57,301       57,301       57,301  
 
 
 

 
 
Synutra International, Inc.
       
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
       
(Dollars in thousands)
       
(Unaudited)
       
 
   
Nine Months Ended December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
 Operating activities:
           
 Net income (loss)
  $ (67,572 )   $ 9,573  
 Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
 
 Depreciation and amortization
    10,340       8,611  
 Bad debt expense
    1,140       6,709  
 Deferred income tax
    36,550       7,191  
 Foreign currency translation gain on disposal of subsidiaries
    (2,190 )     0  
 Other
    (321 )     354  
 Changes in assets and liabilities:
               
 Accounts receivable
    (6,714 )     (14,103 )
 Inventories
    (3,671 )     15,629  
 Due from related parties
    5,594       3,884  
 Other assets
    (747 )     (15,498 )
 Accounts payable
    (19,343 )     595  
 Due to related parties
    (226 )     1,535  
 Advances from customers
    5,780       1,351  
 Income tax receivable
    191       (29 )
 Other liabilities
    24,814       13,973  
                 
 Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
    (16,375 )     39,775  
                 
 Investing activities:
               
 Acquisition of property, plant and equipment
    (10,547 )     (10,565 )
 Change in restricted cash
    (30,340 )     (9,849 )
 Proceeds from assets disposal
    1,817       405  
 Payment to minority shareholder
    (386 )     0  
                 
 Net cash used in investing activities
    (39,456 )     (20,009 )
                 
 Financing activities:
               
 Proceeds from short-term debt
    221,533       157,951  
 Repayment of short-term debt
    (196,681 )     (194,439 )
 Proceeds from long-term debt
    58,503       60,494  
 Repayment of long-term debt
    (50,087 )     (48,555 )
 Payment on capital lease obligations
    (703 )     0  
                 
 Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    32,565       (24,549 )
                 
 Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
    216       1,818  
                 
 Net change in cash and cash equivalents
    (23,050 )     (2,965 )
                 
 Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    64,793       48,741  
 Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
    41,743       45,776  
                 
 Supplemental cash flow information:
               
 Interest paid
    9,997       10,855  
 Income taxes paid
    539       82  
                 
 Non-cash investing and financing activities:
               
 Purchase of property, plant and equipment by accounts payable
    (4,028 )     (650 )