HONG YUAN HOLDING GROUP - Quarter Report: 2010 September (Form 10-Q)
Table of Contents
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-Q
þ | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2010
OR
o | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
Commission File Number 001-34689
CEREPLAST, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Nevada | 91-2154289 | |
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | |
300 N. Continental Boulevard, Suite 100 El Segundo, California |
90245 | |
(Address of Principal Executive Office) | (Zip Code) |
(310) 615-1900
(Registrants Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
(Registrants 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 þ 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 or 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 o 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 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 o | Non-accelerated filer o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) |
Smaller reporting company þ |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the
Exchange Act). Yes o No þ
The number of shares of common stock outstanding as of November 12, 2010 is
12,992,196.
CEREPLAST, INC.
FORM 10-Q
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FORM 10-Q
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Exhibit 31.1 | ||||||||
Exhibit 31.2 | ||||||||
Exhibit 32.1 | ||||||||
Exhibit 32.2 |
Unless otherwise indicated or unless the context requires otherwise, all references in this report
to we, us, our, Cereplast or the Company shall refer to Cereplast, Inc.
2
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PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CEREPLAST, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
9/30/2010 | 12/31/2009 | |||||||
(Unaudited) | (Audited) | |||||||
ASSETS |
||||||||
Current Assets |
||||||||
Cash and Cash Equivalents |
$ | 3,313,920 | $ | 1,305,771 | ||||
Accounts Receivable, Net |
1,555,529 | 325,270 | ||||||
Inventory, Net |
1,057,344 | 847,527 | ||||||
Prepaid Expenses |
123,420 | 215,356 | ||||||
Total Current Assets |
6,050,213 | 2,693,924 | ||||||
Property and Equipment |
||||||||
Property and Equipment |
5,565,033 | 5,416,436 | ||||||
Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization |
(2,081,144 | ) | (1,519,714 | ) | ||||
Net Property and Equipment |
3,483,889 | 3,896,722 | ||||||
Other Assets |
||||||||
Restricted Cash |
42,934 | | ||||||
Intangibles, Net |
177,363 | 184,039 | ||||||
Deposits |
33,665 | 89,286 | ||||||
Total Other Assets |
253,962 | 273,325 | ||||||
Total Assets |
$ | 9,788,064 | $ | 6,863,971 | ||||
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY |
||||||||
Current Liabilities |
||||||||
Accounts Payable |
$ | 674,924 | $ | 989,927 | ||||
Other Payables |
810 | 1,413 | ||||||
Accrued Expenses |
662,420 | 604,015 | ||||||
Capital Leases, Current Portion |
10,072 | 25,341 | ||||||
Loan Payable, Current Portion |
8,179 | 53,487 | ||||||
Total Current Liabilities |
1,356,405 | 1,674,183 | ||||||
Long-Term Liabilities |
||||||||
Loan Payable |
6,537 | | ||||||
Capital Leases |
1,262 | 8,897 | ||||||
Total Long-Term Liabilities |
7,799 | 8,897 | ||||||
Total Liabilities |
1,364,204 | 1,683,080 | ||||||
Shareholders Equity |
||||||||
Preferred Stock, $0.001 par value;
5,000,000 authorized preferred shares, 0 outstanding |
| | ||||||
Common Stock, $0.001 par value;
495,000,000 authorized shares; 12,966,015 shares &
9,825,476 shares issued and outstanding, respectively |
12,966 | 9,825 | ||||||
Additional Paid in Capital |
49,415,766 | 40,578,981 | ||||||
Retained Earnings/(Deficit) |
(41,093,661 | ) | (35,444,968 | ) | ||||
Other Comprehensive Income |
88,789 | 37,053 | ||||||
Total Shareholders Equity |
8,423,860 | 5,180,891 | ||||||
Total Liabilities and Shareholders Equity |
$ | 9,788,064 | $ | 6,863,971 | ||||
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
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CEREPLAST, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(UNAUDITED)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(UNAUDITED)
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
9/30/2010 | 9/30/2009 | 9/30/2010 | 9/30/2009 | |||||||||||||
GROSS SALES |
$ | 1,515,296 | $ | 683,974 | $ | 2,518,944 | $ | 2,148,955 | ||||||||
Sales Discounts, Returns & Allowances |
(2,517 | ) | (3,010 | ) | (69,889 | ) | (11,147 | ) | ||||||||
NET SALES |
1,512,779 | 680,964 | 2,449,055 | 2,137,808 | ||||||||||||
COST OF SALES |
1,132,247 | 577,217 | 1,777,746 | 1,858,870 | ||||||||||||
GROSS PROFIT |
380,532 | 103,747 | 671,309 | 278,938 | ||||||||||||
OPERATING EXPENSES |
||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and Amortization |
217,998 | 136,188 | 588,394 | 408,277 | ||||||||||||
Marketing Expense |
497,565 | 59,434 | 1,181,664 | 310,350 | ||||||||||||
Professional Fees |
268,207 | 195,823 | 630,537 | 533,707 | ||||||||||||
Rent Expense |
120,276 | 51,027 | 317,237 | 509,969 | ||||||||||||
Research and Development |
108,759 | 54,183 | 319,926 | 257,972 | ||||||||||||
Salaries & Wages |
567,138 | 277,949 | 1,243,575 | 1,413,796 | ||||||||||||
Salaries & Wages Stock Based Compensation |
147,509 | (199,841 | ) | 372,259 | (17,324 | ) | ||||||||||
Other Operating Expenses |
411,930 | 383,316 | 1,080,142 | 939,972 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES |
2,339,382 | 958,079 | 5,733,734 | 4,356,719 | ||||||||||||
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS BEFORE OTHER
INCOME (EXPENSES) |
(1,958,850 | ) | (854,332 | ) | (5,062,425 | ) | (4,077,781 | ) | ||||||||
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSES) |
||||||||||||||||
Restructuring Charges |
(275,002 | ) | | (586,119 | ) | | ||||||||||
Loss on Sale of Equipment |
| (129,627 | ) | | (154,666 | ) | ||||||||||
Interest Income |
1,170 | 621 | 1,746 | 20,895 | ||||||||||||
Interest Expense |
(158 | ) | (5,900 | ) | (1,895 | ) | (20,478 | ) | ||||||||
TOTAL OTHER INCOME (EXPENSES) |
(273,990 | ) | (134,906 | ) | (586,268 | ) | (154,249 | ) | ||||||||
LOSS BEFORE PROVISIONS FOR TAXES |
(2,232,840 | ) | (989,238 | ) | (5,648,693 | ) | (4,232,030 | ) | ||||||||
Provision for Taxes |
| | | | ||||||||||||
NET LOSS |
(2,232,840 | ) | (989,238 | ) | (5,648,693 | ) | (4,232,030 | ) | ||||||||
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME |
||||||||||||||||
Gain (loss) on Foreign Currency Translation |
52,437 | 5,134 | 51,736 | 13,780 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE LOSS |
$ | (2,180,403 | ) | $ | (984,104 | ) | $ | (5,596,957 | ) | $ | (4,218,250 | ) | ||||
BASIC AND DILUTED LOSS PER SHARE |
$ | (0.17 | ) | $ | (0.12 | ) | $ | (0.49 | ) | $ | (0.54 | ) | ||||
WEIGHTED-AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING
BASIC AND DILUTED |
12,925,482 | 8,329,132 | 11,400,371 | 7,781,758 | ||||||||||||
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
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CEREPLAST, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED
(UNAUDITED)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED
(UNAUDITED)
9/30/2010 | 9/30/2009 | |||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: |
||||||||
Net loss |
$ | (5,648,693 | ) | $ | (4,232,030 | ) | ||
Adjustment to Reconcile Net Loss to Net Cash
Used in Operating Activities |
||||||||
Depreciation and Amortization |
588,394 | 408,277 | ||||||
Reserve for Inventory Obsolescence |
| (96,041 | ) | |||||
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts |
32,901 | 12,727 | ||||||
Loss on Sale of Equipment |
| 154,666 | ||||||
Loss on Disposal of Leasehold Improvements Due to Restructuring |
15,069 | | ||||||
Common Stock Issued for Services, Salaries & Wages |
1,332,990 | (103,775 | ) | |||||
(Increase) Decrease in: |
||||||||
Accounts Receivable |
(1,263,159 | ) | (20,093 | ) | ||||
Inventory |
(209,817 | ) | 876,682 | |||||
Deposits |
55,621 | 3,632 | ||||||
Prepaid Expenses |
91,936 | 350,081 | ||||||
Restricted Cash |
(42,934 | ) | 48,628 | |||||
Intangibles |
331 | (19,445 | ) | |||||
Increase (Decrease) in: |
||||||||
Accounts Payable |
(315,005 | ) | 497,593 | |||||
Accrued Expenses |
57,802 | 200,656 | ||||||
Other Payables |
| (32,194 | ) | |||||
NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES |
(5,304,564 | ) | (1,950,636 | ) | ||||
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: |
||||||||
Purchase of Property and Equipment, and Intangibles |
(184,285 | ) | (13,738 | ) | ||||
Proceeds from Sale of Equipment |
| 3,693 | ||||||
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES |
(184,285 | ) | (10,045 | ) | ||||
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: |
||||||||
Payments on Capital Leases |
(22,904 | ) | (40,336 | ) | ||||
Payments from Notes Payable |
(59,295 | ) | (3,874 | ) | ||||
Proceeds on Notes Payable |
20,524 | | ||||||
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock and Subscription Receivable, Net of Offering Costs |
7,506,937 | 1,899,421 | ||||||
NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES |
7,445,262 | 1,855,211 | ||||||
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION |
51,736 | 13,780 | ||||||
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH |
2,008,149 | (91,690 | ) | |||||
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD |
1,305,771 | 501,699 | ||||||
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD |
$ | 3,313,920 | $ | 410,009 | ||||
SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
During the nine months ended September 30, 2010, the Company issued 2,842,642 shares in exchange for net proceeds of $7,506,937 under private placements and
sales of shares made pursuant to an effective Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Registration No. 333-166307). During the nine months ended September 30, 2009,
the Company issued 833,170 shares in exchange for gross proceeds of $1,666,341 under a private placement, 114,207 shares in exchange for net proceeds of $300,000
pursuant to a Periodic Equity Investment Agreement, and 125,000 shares in fulfillment of subscriptions payable of $250,000. During the nine months ended
September 30, 2010, and September 30, 2009, the company paid $1,845 and $17,613 for interest respectively. No taxes were paid during the nine month periods
ended September 30, 2010 and September 30, 2009.
SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF NON-CASH TRANSACTIONS
During the nine months ended September 30, 2010, the Company issued 31,250 shares valued at $125,000 for fees associated with an early lease termination, 12,500
shares valued at $50,000 for board member services, 151,302 shares valued at $770,088 for professional services and rent and 78,605 shares valued at $300,899 for
employee services. In addition, during this period, 20,162 shares valued at $75,002 were issued pursuant to a settlement agreement. During the nine months ended
September 30, 2009, the Company issued 95,306 shares valued at $395,960 for services to directors and employees and 289,840 shares valued at $1,176,180 for
prepaid services and debt repayment to third parties. The Company also recognized $499,735 of expense related to vesting of employee stock options for the same
period.
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2010
(Unaudited)
September 30, 2010
(Unaudited)
1. ORGANIZATION AND LINE OF BUSINESS
Organization
We were incorporated on September 29, 2001 in the State of Nevada under the name Biocorp North
America Inc. On March 18, 2005, we filed an amendment to our certificate of incorporation to
change our name to Cereplast, Inc.
Line of Business
We are an early stage industrial specialty company focused on developing bio-based alternatives to
petroleum based plastics. We have developed and are commercializing proprietary bio-based resins
through two complementary product families: (i) Cereplast Compostables® Resins which are
renewable ecologically sound substitute for petroleum-based plastics and (ii) Cereplast Hybrid
Resins®, which replace up to 50% of the petroleum-based content of traditional plastics
with materials from renewable resources. Our resins aim to be competitively priced compared to
petroleum-based plastic resins and can be converted into finished products using conventional
manufacturing equipment without significant additional capital investment by downstream converters.
We have developed various technological platforms around different feedstock and biopolymers. In
October, 2009 we announced that we intended to use algae biomass as a new feedstock for a new
family of resin; Cereplast Algae Plastics, that will complement our existing line of Compostables
& Hybrid resins. We intend to have the very first commercial applications released before the end
of 2010.
The demand for non-petroleum based, clean and renewable sources for materials, such as bioplastics,
and the demand for compostable/biodegradable products are being driven globally by a variety of
factors, including fossil fuel price volatility, energy security and environmental concerns. These
factors have led to increased spending on clean and renewable products by corporations and
individuals as well as legislative initiatives at the local and state level.
We are a full-service resin solution provider and believe we are uniquely positioned to capitalize
on the rapidly increasing demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives to
traditional plastic products.
We primarily conduct our operations through three product families:
| Cereplast Compostables® Resins are renewable, ecologically-sound
substitutes for petroleum-based plastics targeting primarily single-use disposables and
packaging applications. We offer 17 commercial grades of Compostables Resins in this
product line. These resins are compatible with existing manufacturing processes and
equipment, making them a ready substitute for traditional petroleum-based resins. We
commercially introduced our Compostables line in November 2006. |
| Cereplast Hybrid Resins® replace up to 50% of the petroleum content in
conventional plastics with bio-based materials such as industrial starches sourced from
plants. The Hybrid Resin line is designed to offer similar properties to traditional
polyolefins such as impact strength and heat deflection temperature, and is compatible with
existing converter processes and equipment. Hybrid Resins provide a viable alternative for
brand owners and converters looking to partially replace petroleum-based resins in durable
goods applications. Hybrid Resins address this need in a wide range of markets, including
automotive, consumer goods, consumer electronics, medical, packaging, and construction.
We commercially introduced our first grade of Hybrid Resin, Hybrid 150, at the end of 2007.
We currently offer two commercial grades in this product line. |
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| Cereplast Algae Plastics. In October 2009 we announced that we have been developing a
new technology to transform algae into bioplastics and intend to launch a new family of
algae-based resins that will complement the companys existing line of Compostables & Hybrid resins. Although we do
not expect this new technology to become commercial until the end of 2010, it remains an
important development as we believe that the potential open by algae is quite substantial.
We believe that our algae-based resins could replace, in a first step, 50% or more of the
petroleum content used in traditional plastic resins. Currently, we are using renewable
material such as starches from corn, tapioca, wheat and potatoes and Ingeo® PLA and we are
exploring additional biopolymers as they come to market. We believe that algae is a very
attractive feedstock as it does offer a low carbon footprint alternative and at the same
time could be accessible in very large quantity. We also have a future plan to create algae
plastic made of 100% algae component abandoning any reliance on fossils fuels. |
As of September 30, 2010, over 500 companies have requested and been provided with samples of our
bioplastic resin and 180 customers have purchased resin for trials and testing. Of these, 125
customers have advanced to prototype testing and qualification of more than 160 different product
applications. Forty two customers within the food packaging and service ware, consumer durables,
cosmetics, gift card markets in the Americas and Europe, including Dorel Industries, WNA, Alcoa,
Innoware, Penley, Solo, Cadaco, Jatco, Dentek, CSI-Cosmolab, Warner Tools, Sezersan Ambalaj, RI.ME.
Masterbatch, Handgards and Pace Industries, have commercialized and introduced 97 different
bioplastic products using our resin. As a result of successful testing and commercial product
launches, some of our customers have signed multi-year supply contracts with increasing volume.
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation and Consolidation
The consolidated condensed financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly
owned subsidiary, Cereplast International, S.A. All significant inter-company accounts and
transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The interim financial information of the
Company as of September 30, 2010 and for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010,
and 2009 is unaudited, and the balance sheet as of December 31, 2009 is derived from audited
financial statements. The accompanying consolidated condensed financial statements have been
prepared in accordance with U. S. generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial
statements. Accordingly, they omit or condense footnotes and certain other information normally
included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting
principles. The accounting policies followed for quarterly financial reporting conform with the
accounting policies disclosed in Note 1 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included
in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009. In the opinion of
management, all adjustments that are necessary for a fair presentation of the financial information
for the interim periods reported have been made. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring
nature. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 are not
necessarily indicative of the results that can be expected for the entire year ending December 31,
2010. The unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with
the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Companys Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make
estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the accompanying financial
statements. Significant estimates made in preparing these financial statements include the
estimate of useful lives of property and equipment, the deferred tax valuation allowance and the
fair value of stock options. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or
less to be cash equivalents. At various times throughout the year, the Company may have exceeded
federally insured limits.
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Concentration of Credit Risk
We had unrestricted cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investment, totaling $3,313,920 and
$1,305,771 at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively. The unrestricted cash and
cash equivalents are held for working capital purposes. We do not enter into investments for
trading or speculative purposes. Some of the securities in which we invest, however, may be
subject to market risk. This means that a change in prevailing interest rates may cause the
principal amount of the investment to fluctuate. To minimize this risk, we intend to maintain our
portfolio of cash equivalents and short-term investments in a variety of securities, including
commercial paper, money market funds, debt securities and certificates of deposit and to actively
monitor changes in interest rates. Due to the short-term nature of these investments, we believe
that we do not have any material exposure to changes in the fair value of our investment portfolio
as a result of changes in interest rates. As of September 30, 2010, all of our investments were
held in money market accounts and short-term instruments.
Other Concentration
During the nine months ended months ended September 30, 2010, we had two significant suppliers that
accounted for 20.6% and 36.6%, respectively, of total cost of goods sold.
Restricted Cash
We had restricted cash in the amount of $42,934 on September 30, 2010, and $0 on December 31, 2009.
The restricted cash amount consists of a Certificate of Deposit which supports a Letter of
Credit for a leased facility.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying amounts of our financial instruments as of September 30, 2010, which include cash
equivalents, accounts receivable, unbilled receivable, accounts payable, accrued expenses, and
advances on financing from investors, approximate their fair values due to the short-term nature of
these instruments.
Accounts Receivable
We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses that may arise if any of our
customers are unable to make required payments. Management performs a review of the receivables
past due from customers on a monthly basis and reserves against uncollectible items for each
customer after all reasonable means of collection have been exhausted, and the potential for
recovery is considered remote. The allowance for doubtful accounts was $56,226 and $34,337 as of
September 30, 2010, and December 31, 2009, respectively.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out basis) or market, and consist
primarily of raw materials used in the manufacturing of bioplastic resins, finished bioplastic
resins and finished goods. Inventories are reviewed for excess and obsolescence and a reserve is
established accordingly. As of September 30, 2010, and December 31, 2009, the inventories are as
follows:
September 30,2010 | December 31, 2009 | |||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||
Raw Materials |
$ | 497,030 | $ | 344,489 | ||||
Bioplastic Resins |
458,186 | 355,082 | ||||||
Finished Goods |
47,222 | 76,458 | ||||||
Packaging Materials |
16,021 | 14,978 | ||||||
WIP |
38,885 | 56,250 | ||||||
Total Inventories |
$ | 1,057,344 | $ | 847,527 | ||||
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Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost, and depreciation is computed on the straight-line method
over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The estimated useful lives of the assets are between
five and seven years. Repairs and maintenance expenditures are charged to expense as incurred.
Property and Equipment consist of:
September 30, 2010 | December 31, 2009 | |||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||
Equipment |
$ | 5,152,733 | $ | 2,518,132 | ||||
Construction in Progress |
108,245 | 2,588,904 | ||||||
Furniture & Fixtures |
278,696 | 275,055 | ||||||
Automobile |
25,359 | | ||||||
Leasehold Improvements |
| 34,345 | ||||||
5,565,033 | 5,416,436 | |||||||
Less Accumulated Depreciation |
(2,081,144 | ) | (1,519,714 | ) | ||||
Net Property and Equipment |
$ | 3,483,889 | $ | 3,896,722 | ||||
Intangibles
Intangibles are stated at cost and consist primarily of patents and trademarks. Amortization is
computed on the straight-line method over the estimated life of these assets, estimated to be
between five and fifteen years.
September 30, 2010 | December 31, 2009 | |||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||
Intangibles |
$ | 208,139 | $ | 208,304 | ||||
Less Accumulated Amortization |
(30,776 | ) | (24,265 | ) | ||||
Net Intangibles |
$ | 177,363 | $ | 184,039 | ||||
Deferred Income Taxes
Deferred income taxes are provided using the liability method whereby deferred tax assets are
recognized for deductible temporary differences and operating loss and tax credit carry forwards
and deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences. Temporary
differences are the differences between the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and their
tax bases. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of
management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not
be realized. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of the changes in
tax laws and rates of the date of enactment.
The benefit of a tax position is recognized in the financial statements in the period during which,
based on all available evidence, management believes it is more likely than not that the position
will be sustained upon examination, including the resolution of appeals or litigation processes, if
any. Tax positions taken are not offset or aggregated with other positions. Tax positions that
meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold are measured as the largest amount of tax
benefit that is more than 50 percent likely of being realized upon settlement with the applicable
taxing authority. The portion of the benefits associated with tax positions taken that exceeds the
amount measured as described above is reflected as a liability for unrecognized tax benefits in the
accompanying balance sheet along with any associated interest and penalties that would be payable
to the taxing authorities upon examination.
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Interest and penalties associated with unrecognized tax benefits are classified as additional
income taxes in the statement of income.
Revenue Recognition
We recognize revenue at the time of shipment of products, provided that evidence of an arrangement
exists, title and risk of loss have passed to the customer, fees are fixed or determinable, and
collection of the related receivable is reasonably assured.
Marketing and Advertising
We expense marketing and advertising costs as incurred. Marketing and advertising costs for the
three months ended September 30, 2010, and 2009 were $497,565 and $59,434, respectively.
Research and Development Costs
Research and development costs are charged to expense as incurred. These costs consist primarily of
research with respect to new grades of bioplastic resins, testing of both the bioplastic resins as
well as testing of finished products made from the bio-based resins and wages paid to R&D
personnel. The costs for the three months ended September 30, 2010, and 2009 were $108,759 and
$54,183, respectively.
Stock-Based Compensation
Compensation cost for all stock-based awards is measured at fair value on the date of grant and
recognized over the service period for awards expected to vest. The fair value of stock options is
determined using the Black-Scholes valuation model. Such value is recognized as expense over the
service period, net of estimated forfeitures, using the straight-line method. Adjustments to this
expense are made periodically to recognize actual rates of forfeiture which vary significantly from
estimates. As of December 31, 2009, all awards were fully vested.
Loss per Share Calculations
Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the
weighted-average number of common shares available. Diluted earnings per share is computed similar
to basic earnings per share except that the denominator is increased to include the number of
additional common shares that would have been outstanding if the potential common shares had been
issued and if the additional common shares were dilutive. Our diluted loss per share is the same as
the basic loss per share for the three and three months and ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 as
inclusion of any potential shares would have had and anti-dilutive effect due to us generating a
loss.
Legal Proceedings
From time to time, we may become involved in various lawsuits and legal proceedings, which arise in
the ordinary course of business. However, litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties, and an
adverse result in these or other matters may arise from time to time that may harm our business. We
are currently not aware of any such legal proceedings or claims that we believe will have,
individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse affect on our business, financial condition or
operating results.
Comparative Figures
Certain of the prior year figures have been reclassified to conform to the presentation adopted in
the current year.
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3. CAPITAL STOCK
Reverse Stock Split
On March 15, 2010, we implemented a reverse split of our common stock in ratio of one-for-forty.
The reverse split was effective at 6:00 a.m. on March 15, 2010. All historical and per share
amounts have been adjusted to reflect the reverse stock split.
During the three months ended September 30, 2010, we issued shares of common stock as follows:
| On July 29, 2010, we issued 32,361 shares common stock valued at $108,409 for employee
services. |
| On September 2, 2010 we issued 20,162 shares of common stock valued at $75,002 pursuant to
a settlement agreement. |
| On September 2, 2010, we issued 23,440 shares of common stock valued at $76,180 for
employee services. |
Valuation Assumptions for Stock Options
During the year ended December 31, 2007, total stock options granted to employees were 290,625 with
estimated total grant-date fair values of $4,481,665. We estimate that stock-based compensation
for awards not expected to be exercised is $864,688. We did not issue any stock options to
employees during 2009. During the year ended December 31, 2009, we recorded stock-based
compensation related to stock options of $273,919. All stock options granted were fully vested as
of December 31, 2009.
Year ended | ||||
December 31, | ||||
2009 | ||||
Average risk-free interest rate |
3.84 | % | ||
Average expected life (in years) |
5.1 | |||
Volatility |
102.2 | % |
| Expected Volatility: The fair values of stock based payments were valued using a
volatility factor based on our historical stock prices. |
| Expected Term: We elected to use the simplified method as discussed in SAB No. 107 to
develop the estimate of the expected term. |
| Expected Dividend: We have not paid any dividends and do not anticipate paying dividends
in the foreseeable future. |
| Risk-Free Interest Rate: We base the risk-free interest rate used on the implied yield
currently available on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with remaining term equivalent to
the expected term of the options. |
Stock Option Activity
Our board of directors adopted the 2004 Employee Stock Option Plan. Under this Plan, the Board of
Directors may issue incentive and non-qualified stock options to our employees. Options granted
under the Plan generally expire at the end of five or ten years and vest in accordance with a
vesting schedule determined by our Board of Directors, usually over three years from the grant
date. As of December 31, 2009 334,375 shares are available for future grants under our 2004
Employee Stock Option Plan. We settle stock option exercises with newly issued common shares. The
following is a summary of stock option activity (in thousands, except per share data): All stock
options are fully vested as of December 31, 2009.
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2010 | 2009 | |||||||||||||||
Weighted Average |
Weighted Average |
|||||||||||||||
Shares | Exercise Price | Shares | Exercise Price | |||||||||||||
Outstandingbeginning of year |
73 | $ | 22.40 | 249 | $ | 22.40 | ||||||||||
Granted at fair value |
| | | | ||||||||||||
Exercised |
| | | | ||||||||||||
Canceled/forfeited |
| | (176 | ) | 22.40 | |||||||||||
Outstandingend of year |
73 | 22.40 | 73 | 22.40 | ||||||||||||
Options exercisable at
year-end |
73 | $ | 22.40 | 73 | $ | 22.40 | ||||||||||
The following table summarizes information about stock options as of September 30, 2010, (in
thousands, except per share data):
Options Outstanding | Options Exercisable | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Weighted | Weighted | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Weighted | Average | Weighted | Average | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Average | Remaining | Aggregate | Average | Remaining | Aggregate | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Range of Exercise | Exercise | Contract | Intrinsic | Exercise | Contract | Intrinsic | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Prices | Shares | Price | Life | Value | Shares | Price | Life | Value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
$0.0-$22.40 |
73 | $ | 22.40 | 4.18 | | 73 | $ | 22.40 | 4.18 | | ||||||||||||||||||||||
The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total pretax intrinsic value, based
on our closing stock price of $3.18 as at September 30, 2010 which would have been received by the
option holders had all option holders exercised their options as of that date. Based on the closing
stock price at September 30, 2010, there were no in-the-money options exercisable as of September
30, 2010.
No options were granted and 42,351 shares vested during the year ended December 31, 2009.
Additionally, no options were exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2010, and the
year ended December 31, 2009, and as such no cash was received from employees as a result of any
such exercise of stock options.
4. REVOLVING LINE OF CREDIT
The Company has one revolving line of credit guaranteed by our Chief Executive Officer with total
availability of $25,000. As of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the Company did not have
any borrowings under the line of credit.
5. LEASES
We currently operate out of two locations in El Segundo, California and Seymour, Indiana. The
leases underlying these two facilities are summarized below:
California Facilities The El Segundo facility consists of 3,634 square feet of corporate office
space. The lease commenced on March 1, 2010, for a period of five years at $9,118 per month.
Indiana Facility The 105,000 square foot Seymour facility is currently used as a manufacturing
and distribution facility for our products. The Seymour facility is subject to a lease with monthly
rents of $25,000 expiring in January 2018.
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6. LOANS PAYABLE
Notes Payable
During the year ended December 31, 2008, the Company issued a promissory note to a vendor for
services provided. The balance at December 31, 2009 of $53,487 was paid in January 2010.
On February 11, 2010 the Company signed a promissory note in the amount of $20,359 for the purchase
of an automobile. The note bears interest at 7.69% per year and is to be repaid in 60 monthly
payments of $411.
7. MAJOR CUSTOMERS AND FOREIGN SALES
During the nine months ended September 30, 2010 we had two customers, RI.ME. Masterbatch S.r.l. and
Dorel Juvenile Group, a Division of Dorel Industries, Inc., that accounted for 43.7% and 30.6%,
respectively, of total sales. No other supplier or customer accounted for more than 10% of cost of
sales or sales during this period.
Our gross sales were made up of sales to customers in the following geographic regions:
Nine months ended | ||||||||
September 30,2010 | September 30,2009 | |||||||
(Unaudited) | (Unaudited) | |||||||
North America |
$ | 1,139,162 | $ | 1,984,831 | ||||
International |
1,379,782 | 164,124 | ||||||
Gross sales |
$ | 2,518,944 | $ | 2,148,955 | ||||
8. INCOME TAX
We are subject to U.S. and California income tax. Subject to limited statutory exceptions, we are
no longer subject to federal, state and local or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax
authorities for years before 2006. We are not presently liable for any income taxes nor are we
undergoing any tax examinations by the Internal Revenue Service. No Deferred Tax Assets and
Deferred Tax Liabilities are included in our balance sheets at September 30, 2010 or December 31,
2009.
Our policy is to recognize interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest
expense and penalties in operating expenses.
9. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
The company has evaluated subsequent events pursuant to ASC 855 and has determined the following
event should be disclosed:
On November 4, 2010, 26,181 shares of common stock valued at $73,830 were issued to employees for
services rendered during the three month period ended September, 30, 2010.
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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS
This Form 10-Q may contain forward-looking statements, as that term is used in federal securities
laws, about our financial condition, results of operations and business. These statements include,
among others, statements concerning the potential benefits that we may experience from our business
activities and certain transactions we contemplate or have completed; and statements of our
expectations, beliefs, future plans and strategies, anticipated developments and other matters that
are not historical facts. These statements may be made expressly in this Form 10-Q. You can find
many of these statements by looking for words such as believes, expects, anticipates, estimates,
opines, or similar expressions used in this Form 10-Q. These forward-looking statements are
subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties that may cause our actual results to be
materially different from any future results expressed or implied by us in those statements. The
most important facts that could prevent us from achieving our stated goals include, but are not
limited to, the following:
| inability to raise sufficient additional capital to finance operations; |
||
| potential fluctuation in quarterly results; |
||
| our failure to earn profits; |
||
| inadequate capital to expand our business, inability to raise additional capital or
financing to implement our business plans; |
||
| inability to source raw materials in sufficient quantities to support growth in customer
demand; |
||
| decline in demand for our products and services; |
||
| rapid and significant changes in markets and other factors that encourage use of
bioplastics; |
||
| failure to commercialize new grades of resin being pursued in our technical / market
development pipeline |
||
| competitor actions that curtail our market share, negatively affect pricing or limit
sales growth; |
||
| litigation with or legal claims and allegations by outside parties; |
||
| insufficient revenues to cover operating costs; |
There is no assurance that we will be profitable. We may not be able to successfully manage or
market our products and services, attract or retain qualified executives and technology personnel
or obtain additional customers for our products or services. Our products and services may become
obsolete, government regulation may hinder our business, additional dilution in outstanding stock
ownership may be incurred due to the issuance of more shares, warrants and stock options, or the
exercise of outstanding warrants and stock options, and other risks inherent in our businesses.
Because forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, actual results may
differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. We caution
you not to place undue reliance on these statements, which speak only as of the date of this Form
10-Q. The cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section should be considered in
connection with any subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements that our company or
persons acting on our behalf may issue. We do not undertake any obligation to review or confirm
analysts expectations or estimates or to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking
statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this Form 10-Q, or to reflect the
occurrence of unanticipated events.
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OVERVIEW
General.
We primarily conduct our operations through three product families:
| Cereplast Compostables Resins® are renewable, ecologically-sound substitutes
for petroleum-based plastics targeting primarily single-use disposables and packaging
applications. We offer 17 commercial grades of Compostables Resins in this product line.
These resins are compatible with existing manufacturing processes and equipment making them
a ready substitute for traditional petroleum-based resins. We commercially introduced our
Compostables line in November 2006. |
| Cereplast Hybrid® Resins replace up to 50% of the petroleum content in
conventional plastics with bio-based materials such as industrial starches sourced from
plants. The Hybrid Resin line is designed to offer similar properties to traditional polyolefins such as impact strength and heat deflection
temperature, and is compatible with existing converter processes and equipment. Hybrid
Resins provide a viable alternative for brand owners and converters looking to partially
replace petroleum-based resins in durable goods applications. Hybrid Resins address this
need in a wide range of markets, including automotive, consumer goods, consumer electronics,
medical, packaging, and construction. We commercially introduced our first grade of
Hybrid Resin, Hybrid 150, at the end of 2007. We currently offer two commercial grades in
this product line. |
| Cereplast Algae Plastics. In October 2009 we announced that we have been developing a
new technology to transform algae into bioplastics and intend to launch a new family of
algae-based resins that will complement our existing line of Compostables & Hybrid resins.
Although we do not expect this new technology to become commercial until the end of 2010,
it remains an important development as we believe that the potential open by algae is quite
substantial. We believe our algae-based resins could replace, in a first step, 50% or more
of the petroleum content used in traditional plastic resins. Currently, we are using
renewable material such as starches from corn, tapioca, wheat and potatoes and
Ingeo® PLA and we are exploring additional biopolymers as they come to market.
Recently the algae production business has attracted a lot of attention when Exxon
announced a $600 million investment in Synthetic Genomics and BPs $10 million investment
in Martek Biosciences. We believe that algae is a very attractive feedstock as it does
offer a low carbon footprint alternative and at the same time could be accessible in very
large quantity. We also have a future plan to create algae plastic made of 100% algae
component abandoning any reliance on fossils fuels. |
The lead time for customer testing (which, for compostable products, includes the full product
lifecycle necessary to receive compostable certifications) of our resins generally ranges from one
to three years or more, depending upon the industry, the customer and the specific application. As
of September 30, 2010, over 500 companies have requested and been provided with samples of our
bioplastic resin and 180 customers have purchased resin for trials and testing. Of these, 125
customers have advanced to prototype testing and qualification of more than 160 different product
applications. Forty two customers within the food packaging and service ware, consumer durables,
cosmetics, gift card markets in the Americas and Europe, including Dorel Industries, WNA, Alcoa,
Innoware, Penley, Solo, Cadaco, Jatco, Dentek, CSI-Cosmolab, Warner Tools, Sezersan Ambalaj,
RI.ME. Masterbatch, Handgards and Pace Industries, have commercialized and introduced 97 different
bioplastic products using our resin. As a result of successful testing and commercial product
launches, some of our customers have signed multi-year supply contracts with increasing volume.
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Trends and Uncertainties that May Impact Future Results of Operations
Global Market and Economic Conditions. Recent global market and economic conditions have been
unprecedented and challenging with tighter credit conditions since the first half of 2009. For the
period ended September 30,2010, continued concerns about the systemic impact of inflation, energy
costs, geopolitical issues, the availability and cost of credit, the U.S. mortgage market and a
declining real estate market in the U.S. have contributed to increased market volatility and
diminished expectations for the U.S. economy. In the last half of 2008, concerns fueled by the
federal government conservatorship of the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation and the Federal
National Mortgage Association, the declared bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc., the U.S.
government provided loan to American International Group Inc. and other federal government
interventions in the US credit markets lead to increased market uncertainty and instability in both
US and international capital and credit markets. These conditions, combined with volatile oil
prices, declining business and consumer confidence and increased unemployment have contributed to
continued volatility of unprecedented levels. These conditions have continued to impair the growth
of the economy through 2010.
As a result of these market conditions, the cost and availability of credit has been and may
continue to be adversely affected by illiquid credit markets and wider credit spreads. Concern
about the stability of the markets generally and the strength of counterparties specifically has
led many lenders and institutional investors to reduce, and in some cases, cease to provide funding
to borrowers. Continued turbulence in the U.S. and international markets and economies may
adversely affect our liquidity and financial condition, and the liquidity and financial condition
of our customers. If these market conditions continue, they may limit our ability, and the ability of our
customers, to timely replace maturing liabilities, and access the capital markets to meet liquidity
needs, resulting in an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Sales & Operating Expenses
We record sales at the time that we ship our products, provided that evidence of an arrangement
exists, title and risk of loss have passed to the customer, fees are fixed or determinable, and
collection of the related receivable is reasonably assured. We record sales net of sales discounts
and allowances. During the three months ended September 30, 2010, our focus on and investment in
sales and marketing activities, particularly in Europe, has resulted in the signing of significant
contracts with new customers and beginning shipment under these contracts. We expect to see further
customer orders on these new contracts in the 4th quarter.
Operating Expenses. Operating expenses consist principally of salaries (both cash and non-cash
equity-based compensation), professional fees (including legal, accounting, patent-related,
government compliance), marketing, rent, research and development and restructuring costs.
Salaries include all cash and non-cash compensation and related costs for all principal
administrative functions including executive, finance, accounting, production, and human resources.
We have incurred certain one-time costs associated with the implementation of our Strategic
Restructuring Program, in the 4th quarter of 2009 and in the first nine months of 2010.
The successful implementation lead to reduction in operating expenses in 2009 and 2010 across most
operating areas including salaries and wages, rent, research and development and professional fees.
We have incurred increased spending on sales and marketing personnel and activities in the second
and third quarter of 2010 to support the focus on new customer growth, particularly in the
international markets. We started to see results from these expenditures with increased customer
testing and orders during the third quarter and expect this accelerated sales activity to continue
in coming months.
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CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND USE OF ESTIMATES
Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our
unaudited financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements
requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets,
liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities.
We monitor our estimates on an ongoing basis for changes in facts and circumstances, and material
changes in these estimates could occur in the future. Changes in estimates are recorded in the
period in which they become known. We base our estimates on historical experience and other
assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ
from our estimates if past experience or other assumptions do not turn out to be substantially
accurate.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2010 COMPARED TO THE THREE MONTHS
ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2009.
Sales
Gross sales increased by $831,322 or 121.5% to $1,515,296 for the three months ended September 30,
2010, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2009. Net sales increased by $831,815 or
122.2% to $1,512,779 for the three months ended September 30, 2010, compared to the three months
ended September 30, 2009. The sales increase for the period is attributable to volume increases
associated with both existing customer contracts and new
contracts entered into during the third quarter of 2010 as a direct result of strengthening our
sales force and marketing activities, particularly in Europe
Gross Profit
Gross profit increased by $276,785, or 267%, from $103,747 to $380,532 for the three months ended
September 30, 2010, compared to the three months ended September, 30, 2009. As a percentage of net
sales, gross profit margin increased from 15.2% for the three months ended September 30, 2009, to
25.2% for the three months ended September 30, 2010. The increase in gross profit is primarily due
to lower production and raw material costs achieved as a result of our relocation of our
manufacturing operations to Indiana from California and increased production efficiencies
experienced with higher production volumes.
Operating Expenses
Overall, total operating expenses increased by $1,381,303 or 144.2%, to $2,339,382 for the three
months ended September 30, 2010, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2009. The
increase for the period is largely attributable to increases in marketing expenses as a result of
increased sales commissions, staff and activities designed to increase product and market exposure
in the US and European markets, increases in salaries and wages as a result of increased staffing
levels to support business growth and an increase in depreciation expense associated with the new
Seymour facility.
| Salaries and wages, excluding stock based compensation, increased by $289,189 or 104%,
to $567,138 for the three months ended September 30, 2010, as compared to the three months
ended September 30, 2009, largely as a result of the significant reductions in our
workforce in 2009 as part of our Strategic Restructuring Program. Non cash compensation,
increased by $347,350 to $147,509 from $(199,841) for the three months ended September 30,
2010 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2009, largely as a result of
reductions in stock based compensation in 2009 related to the reversal of vested employee
stock options for terminated employees. |
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| Marketing expense increased $438,131, or 737.2%, to $497,565 for the three months ended
September 30, 2010, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2009. The increase in
expense is due primarily to increased sales commissions and sales and marketing staff and
activities designed to increase product and market exposure in the US and international
markets. |
| Research and Development costs increased by $54,576 or 100.7% to $108,759 for the three
months ended September 30, 2010, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2009. The
increase is primarily a result of an increase in research and development activities and
the cost associated with inventory used for testing purposes at the facilities of potential
customers |
| Rent expense increased by $69,249, or 135.7%, to $120,276 for the three months ended
September 30, 2010, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2009. The increase for
the period resulted from normal rent paid for our Indiana facility during the three months
ended September 30., 2010, compared to a negotiated, temporarily discounted rent paid in
the previous year. Professional fees increased by $72,384, or 37%, to $268,207 for the
three months ended September 30, 2010, compared to the three months ended September 30,
2009. The increase for the period is primarily the result of increases in amounts paid to
outside firms for assisting the Company in its financing efforts. |
| Depreciation and Amortization fees increased by $81,810, or 60.1%, to $217,998 for the
three months ended September 30, 2010, compared to the three months ended September 30,
2009. The increase for the period is due to additional depreciation related to the Seymour
manufacturing facility which was placed in service on March 1, 2010. |
Net Loss
Net loss increased by $1,243,602 to $2,232,840 for the three months ended September 30 2010,
compared to the three months ended September 30, 2009. This increase in net loss is primarily the
result of increases in operating costs as discussed above and $275,002 of restructuring costs
associated with the Strategic Restructuring Program begun in 2009 and the resulting move of the
manufacturing facility to Indiana, offset by a $276,785, or 266.8% increase in gross profit margin.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2010, COMPARED TO THE NINE MONTHS
ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2009.
Sales
Gross sales increased by $369,989 or 17.2 % to $2,518,944 for the nine months ended September 30,
2010 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2009. Net sales increased by $311,247, or
14.6% to $2,449,055 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, compared to the nine months ended
September 30, 2009. The sales increase for the period is attributable to volume increases
associated with both existing customer contracts and new contracts entered into during the third
quarter of 2010.
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Gross Profit
Gross profit increased by $392,371 from $278,938 to $671,309 for the nine months ended September
30, 2010, compared to the nine months ended September, 30, 2009. As a percentage of net sales,
gross profit margin increased from 13.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, to 27.4% for
the nine months ended September 30, 2010. The increase in gross profit is primarily due to lower
production and raw material costs achieved as a result of our relocation of our manufacturing
operations to Indiana from California as well as and increased production efficiencies experienced
with higher production volumes
Operating Expenses
Overall, total operating expenses increased by $1,377,015 or 31.6%, to $5,733,734 for the nine
months ended September 30, 2010, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2009. The increase
for the period is largely attributable to increases in marketing expenses, salaries and wages and
depreciation expense offset by lower rent expense.
| Salaries and wages, including stock based compensation, increased by $219,362 or 15.7%,
to $1,615,834 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, as compared to the
nine months ended September 30, 2009, largely as a result of reductions in stock based
compensation in 2009 related to the reversal of vested employee stock options for
terminated employees. |
||
| Marketing expense increased $871,314 or 280.8%, to $1,181,664 for the nine months ended
September 30, 2010, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2009. The increase in
expense is due primarily to increased sales commissions and sales and marketing staff and
activities designed to increase product and market exposure in the US and international
markets. |
||
| Research and Development costs increased by $61,954 or 24.0% to $319,926 for the nine
months ended September 30, 2010, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2009. The
increase is primarily a result of an increase in research and development activities and
the cost associated with inventory used for testing purposes at the facilities of potential
customers. |
||
| Rent expense decreased by $192,732, or 37.8%, to $317,237 for the nine months ended
September 30, 2010, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2009. The decrease for
the period resulted from the termination of two leases for 30,000 sq.
ft. and 25,000 sq. ft.
of office and warehouse space during the prior year and a negotiated temporary discount in
rent of the lease of our Indiana facility. |
||
| Professional fees increased by $96,830, or 18.1%, to $630,537 for the nine months ended
September 30, 2010, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2009. The increase for
the period is primarily the result of increases in amounts paid to outside firms for
assisting the Company in its financing efforts. |
||
| Depreciation and Amortization fees increased by $180,117, or 44.1%, to $588,394 for the
nine months ended September 30, 2010, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2009.
The increase for the period is due to additional depreciation related to the Seymour
manufacturing facility which was placed in service on March 1, 2010. |
Net Loss
Net loss increased by $1,416,663 to $5,648,693 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010,
compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2009. This increase in net loss is the result of
increases in depreciation expense, professional fees, research and development costs, other
operating costs and restructuring costs of $586,119 offset by an increase in gross profit. The
increase in operating cost is due to a significant expected increase in future sales. This
increase is due primarily to the increase in operating expense as discussed above and $586,119 for
restructuring costs associated with the Strategic Restructuring Program begun in 2009 and the move
of the manufacturing facility to Indiana, offset by a $392,371, or 140.7% increase in the gross
profit margin.
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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
We require working capital to fund our operations, including funds to finance our research and
development and expand sales and marketing, to purchase equipment, service indebtedness, satisfy
lease obligations and execute on our business plan and growth strategy. Based on our current cash
position, we believe we will need to raise additional working capital, either through commercial
debt financing or through the issuance of debt or equity securities. The sale of additional equity
securities could result in additional dilution to our stockholders. The incurrence of indebtedness
would result in increased debt service obligations and could result in operating and financing
covenants that would restrict our operations. Financing may not be available in amounts and on
terms acceptable to us, or at all.
We had net unrestricted cash of $3,313,920 at September 30, 2010 compared to net unrestricted cash
of $1,305,771 at December 31, 2009. The net increase in unrestricted cash is attributable
principally to funds received through the issuance and sale of shares of our common stock.
We had positive working capital (the difference between current assets and current liabilities) of
$4,693,808 at September 30, 2010 compared to positive $1,019,741 at December 31, 2009. The
increase of $3,619,000 in working capital is primarily due to an increase in our cash position from
proceeds of the sale of our common stock as well as an increase in accounts receivable.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2010, we used $5,304,564 of cash for operating
activities compared to $1,950,636 used for operating activities during the nine months ended
September 30, 2009. The increase in the use of cash for operating activities for the nine months
ended September 30, 2010, was primarily a result of an increase in accounts receivable and
inventory purchases related to increased sales activity and a decrease in accounts payable in
2009.
Cash used in investing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2010, was $184,285
compared to cash used in investing activities of $10,045 during the nine months ended September 30,
2009. The increase is due to costs associated with the start-up of our Indiana facility in 2010.
Cash provided by financing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2010, was
$7,445,262 compared to cash provided by financing activities of $1,855,211 during the nine months
ended September 30, 2009. These funds are provided primarily by proceeds from the sale of shares of
our common stock.
We have incurred a net loss of $5,648,693 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, and
$6,072,948 for the year ended December 31, 2009, and have an accumulated deficit of $41,093,661 as
of September 30, 2010.
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
The following table summarizes our contractual obligations at September 30, 2010 and the effects
such obligations are expected to have on our liquidity and cash flows in future periods:
Payments Due by Period | ||||||||||||||||||||
Less Than | 2-3 | 4-5 | More Than | |||||||||||||||||
Total | 1 year | Years | Years | 5 years | ||||||||||||||||
Capitalized lease obligations |
$ | 11,334 | $ | 10,562 | $ | 1,276 | $ | | $ | | ||||||||||
Purchase obligations |
8,768 | 8,768 | | | | |||||||||||||||
Rental lease obligations |
3,024,458 | 409,892 | 819,784 | 819,784 | 974,998 | |||||||||||||||
Term loan obligations |
16,837 | 4,928 | 9,856 | 2,053 | | |||||||||||||||
$ | 3,061,397 | $ | 434,150 | $ | 830,916 | $ | 821,837 | $ | 974,998 | |||||||||||
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OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
We do not have any relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships such as
entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities that would have been
established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance-sheet arrangements or for other
contractually narrow or limited purposes. As such, we are not exposed to any financing, liquidity,
market or credit risk that could arise if we had engaged in such relationships.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We are exposed to a number of market risks in the ordinary course of business. These risks, which
include interest rate risk, foreign currency exchange risk and commodity price risk, arise in the
normal course of business rather than from trading. We have examined our exposures to these risks
and concluded that none of our exposures in these areas is material to fair values, cash flows or
earnings. We regularly review these risks to determine if we should enter into active strategies,
such as hedging, to help manage the risks. At the present time, we do not have any hedging programs
in place and we are not trading in any financial or derivative instruments.
We currently do not have any material debt, so we do not have interest rate risk from a liability
perspective. We do have a significant amount of cash and short-term investments with maturities
less than three months. This cash portfolio exposes us to interest rate risk as short-term
investment rates can be volatile. Given the short-term maturity structure of our investment
portfolio, and the high-grade investment quality of our portfolio, we believe that we are not
subject to principal fluctuations and the effective interest rate of our portfolio tracks closely
to various short-term money market interest rate benchmarks.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As of the end of the period covered by this report, we conducted an evaluation, under the
supervision and with the participation of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer
of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) of the
Exchange Act). Based upon this evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer
concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information
required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is: (i)
recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Commissions
rules and forms, and (ii) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our chief
executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding
required disclosure.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
During the quarter ended September 30, 2010, we appointed a Chief Financial Officer. This new
position will serve to further strengthen our internal control over financial reporting by
providing an additional review process. There have been no other changes in our internal control
over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that
have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over
financial reporting.
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PART II OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
From time to time, we may become involved in various lawsuits and legal proceedings that arise in
the ordinary course of business. However, litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties, and an
adverse result in matters that may harm our business may arise from time to time. We are currently
not aware of nor have any knowledge of any such legal proceedings or claims that we believe will
have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on our business, financial
condition or operating results.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
There are no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in the Registrants Form
10-K filed on March 31, 2010.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
We have issued the following unregistered securities during the nine months ended September 30,
2010:
| On January 4, 2010, we issued 31,250 shares of common stock valued at $125,000 for fees
associated with the early termination of a lease in California. |
|
| On January 6, 2010, we issued 12,500 shares of common stock valued at $50,000 to a board
member for services provided. |
|
| On March 31, 2010 we issued 705,000 shares of common stock for gross proceeds of $1,410,000
in a private placement. |
|
| On April 7, 2010, we issued 38,750 shares of common stock valued at $201,500 for
professional services. |
|
| On April 27, 2010, we issued 91,695 shares of common stock valued at $472,229 for prepaid
professional services and rent |
|
| On May 7, 2010, we issued 20,857 shares of common stock valued at $96,359 for prepaid
public relations and other professional services. |
|
| On June 30, 2010 we issued 22,804 shares common stock valued at $116,310 for employee
services. |
|
| On July 29, 2010, we issued 32,361 shares common stock valued at $108,409 for employee
services. |
|
| On September 2, 2010 we issued 20,162 shares of common stock valued at $75,002 pursuant to
a settlement agreement |
|
| On September 2, 2010, we issued 23,440 shares of common stock valued at $76,180 for
employee services |
|
| On November 4, 2010, 26,181 shares of common stock valued at $73,830 were
issued to employees for services rendered during the three month period ended September, 30,
2010. |
All of the offerings and sales above were deemed to be exempt under rule 506 of Regulation D and/or
Section 4(2) of the Securities Act, No advertising or general solicitation was employed in offering
the securities. The offerings and sales were made to a limited number of persons, all of whom were
accredited investors, our business associates or our executive officers, and transfers of the
securities were restricted by us in accordance with the requirements of the Securities Act. In
addition to representations by the above-referenced persons, we have made independent
determinations that all of the above-referenced persons were accredited or sophisticated investors,
were capable of analyzing the merits and risks of their investment, and understood the speculative
nature of their investment. Furthermore, all of the above-referenced persons were provided with
access to our SEC filings.
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ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
Not applicable.
ITEM 4. RESERVED
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
None
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
Exhibit | ||
Number | Description | |
31.1
|
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. | |
31.2
|
Certification of the Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 | |
32.1
|
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. *** | |
32.2
|
Certification of the Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*** |
*** | In accordance with Item 601(b)(32)(ii) of Regulation S-K, this exhibit shall not be deemed
filed for the purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act or otherwise subject to the
liability of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act. |
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SIGNATURES
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.
Date: November 12, 2010 | CEREPLAST, INC. |
|||
By: | /s/ Frederic Scheer | |||
Frederic Scheer | ||||
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer) |
||||
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