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8-K - ZHONGPIN INC.v221447_8k.htm
EX-99.2 - ZHONGPIN INC.v221447_ex99-2.htm
Exhibit 99.1
 
Zhongpin Inc.
Suite 605A, Raycom Info Tech Park, 2 Kexueyuan South Road, Zhongguancun, Haidain District,
Beijing, China 100190, +86 10 8286 1788 extension 101, ir@zhongpin.com
 
Earnings release of May 6, 2011 -- page 1 

 
Zhongpin Reports Higher Revenues, Net Income, and EPS for the First Quarter 2011

NEW YORK, May 6, 2011 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Zhongpin Inc. (“Zhongpin” or “the company,” Nasdaq: HOGS), a leading meat and food processing company in the People's Republic of China (“China”), today reported higher revenues, net income, and earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2011.
 
First quarter 2011 highlights:
 
 
·
Revenues increased 40% in the first quarter 2011 to $285.8 million from $204.3 million in the first quarter 2010.
 
 
·
Net income increased 27% to $16.9 million in the first quarter 2011 from $13.3 million in the first quarter 2010.
 
 
·
Basic earnings per share increased 24% to $0.47 in the first quarter 2011 from $0.38 in the first quarter 2010 on average basic shares outstanding that were 3% higher.
 
 
·
Diluted earnings per share increased 24% to $0.47 in the first quarter 2011 from $0.38 in the first quarter 2010 on average diluted shares outstanding that were 3% higher.
 
 
·
Gross profit margin increased to 12.6% in the first quarter 2011 from 12.2% in the first quarter 2010.
 
 
·
Zhongpin reaffirmed its prior guidance for the year 2011 and revised its guidance earnings per share numbers for the higher average shares that are outstanding as a result of its successful offering of 5 million common shares that was completed on March 22, 2011.
 
 
·
In mid-April 2011, Zhongpin signed a framework agreement with China Construction Bank, Henan Branch, that is expected to provide approximately RMB 10 billion in financial support and services to assist Zhongpin in its growth.

Mr. Xianfu Zhu, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Zhongpin Inc., said, “Our first quarter was a very good start to the year 2011. Our revenues increased on both higher average prices and higher tonnage, although we saw somewhat lower pricing in some product lines.
 
 
 

 
 
Zhongpin Inc.
Suite 605A, Raycom Info Tech Park, 2 Kexueyuan South Road, Zhongguancun, Haidain District,
Beijing, China 100190, +86 10 8286 1788 extension 101, ir@zhongpin.com
 
Earnings release of May 6, 2011 -- page 2

 
“With our good results in the first quarter, we have reaffirmed our previous guidance and have revised only our guidance earnings per share numbers to account for the higher average shares that are outstanding during 2011 as a result of the completion of our follow-on offering.

“Our operations have continued to perform well and our capacity and market expansions are on schedule.

“Importantly, on March 21, China’s Vice Prime Minister Hui Liangyu visited our operations. During his inspection, Mr. Hui visited Zhongpin's production operations and cold storage facilities in Changge. He gave high praise for the company’s food safety, farming cooperative model, product development, industrial layout, and cold-chain logistics.

“His high praise is especially significant considering the contamination problems that a competitor has experienced recently.”

Mr. Hui was accompanied by vice governors and deputy mayors who are primarily in charge of agriculture in many provinces, cities, and districts. Officers of the Ministry of Agriculture and the National Development and Reform Commission also attended. The delegation’s visit was part of the National Agricultural Conference.

The company believes that the Vice Prime Minister’s visit signifies an important opportunity for Zhongpin to expand its market share and gain favorable government policies.
 
Mr. Zhu continued, “Our product quality and safety is engineered into our production and quality assurance processes, so Mr. Hui’s positive comments were not a surprise to us.

“Our competitor’s contamination problem, of course, has caused us to again review all of our production, processing, quality assurance, and quality control, and bio-verification systems to be absolutely sure there is no chance of any contamination in any of our products.”

“We will continue to make the investments in the latest improvements in bio-science and product and process technologies to keep our plants, cold-chain logistics, and suppliers at the forefront of product quality and safety. Our objective is to continue to lead the industry with the highest product quality – from farm to fork.
 
 
 

 
 
Zhongpin Inc.
Suite 605A, Raycom Info Tech Park, 2 Kexueyuan South Road, Zhongguancun, Haidain District,
Beijing, China 100190, +86 10 8286 1788 extension 101, ir@zhongpin.com
 
Earnings release of May 6, 2011 -- page 3

 
“We are continuing to expand our production and markets into other provinces in which pork is traditionally consumed in significant quantities and in which there is a sufficient hog supply. We are in the process of replicating our success in the Henan province into other provinces in northern and eastern China where we expect to build capacity clusters similar to the cluster we have constructed so successfully in Henan.

“In 2011, we are executing our proven strategy to expand our sales, profits, market share, and the geographic regions that we serve. We expect to sustain the trend-line growth we have achieved in the last five years.”

Capacity and market expansions continuing

Zhongpin put its new facility in Tianjin into operation in January 2010. The new plant has a production capacity of about 100,000 metric tons for chilled and frozen pork. The construction of phase two of the facility, with a production capacity of about 36,000 metric tons for prepared pork products started in October 2010 and should be in operation in the second quarter of 2011. Investors have been invited to visit this new facility as part of Zhongpin’s tour of plants that will be held on May 30 and 31.

Zhongpin is investing about $61.5 million to build a slaughtering and processing plant, low temperature prepared pork plant, logistics center, and research and development center in Nong'an county, Changchun, in the Jilin province of China. This facility will have a production capacity of about 70,000 metric tons for chilled pork, 25,000 metric tons for frozen pork, and 30,000 metric tons for prepared pork products. Construction started in September 2010. The company expects to put the chilled and frozen pork facility into operation in the fourth quarter of 2011 and the prepared pork products facility into operation in the third quarter of 2012.

Zhongpin is also investing about $63.0 million to build a production facility, warehouse, and distribution center in Taizhou, Jiangsu province. This facility will have a production capacity of about 100,000 metric tons for chilled and frozen pork, of which 80% will be for chilled pork including easy-to-cook products, 20% for frozen pork, plus 30,000 metric tons for prepared pork products. The construction work started in October 2010. The company expects to put the chilled and frozen pork facility into operation in the third quarter of 2011 and the prepared pork products facility into operation in the first quarter of 2012.
 
 
 

 
 
Zhongpin Inc.
Suite 605A, Raycom Info Tech Park, 2 Kexueyuan South Road, Zhongguancun, Haidain District,
Beijing, China 100190, +86 10 8286 1788 extension 101, ir@zhongpin.com
 
Earnings release of May 6, 2011 -- page 4

 
Zhongpin is investing about $58.5 million to build a new production, research and development, and training complex in Changge, Henan province, excluding the cost of land use rights it has already obtained. When completed, this new facility will have a production capacity of about 100,000 metric tons for prepared pork products. Adjacent to this new facility, the company expects to develop a center for research and development, training, and quality control. Construction for the first phase with an annual production capacity of about 50,000 metric tons for prepared pork products started in the first quarter of 2011 and should be completed by the third quarter of 2011. The second phase, with a production capacity of about 50,000 metric tons for prepared pork products, should be completed by the fourth quarter of 2012. Zhongpin plans to open the research and development and training center by the fourth quarter of 2012.

As of March 31, 2011, Zhongpin had an annual capacity of 563,760 metric tons for chilled and frozen pork, 90,000 tons for prepared pork products, 20,000 tons for pork oil, and 30,000 tons for vegetables and fruits, for a total annual capacity of 703,760 metric tons.

Outlook for pork demand in China

Mr. Zhu continued, “Our strategy, which has proven to be very effective, has five major objectives that are designed to create additional value for our shareholders:
 
·
increase our brand recognition and sales,
 
·
expand our market presence,
 
·
increase our production capacities,
 
·
expand and optimize our product lines, and
 
·
maintain our technological superiority.

“China’s economy continues to expand and pork continues to be China’s preferred protein. We are continuing to build a strong leading national brand position and higher market share in the pork category and are expanding our processing plants and distribution networks to satisfy the increasing demand for our high quality products.

“We believe the outlook for China's pork processing industry remains quite positive, and we expect to be a leader in the industry’s consolidation in China.
 
 
 

 
 
Zhongpin Inc.
Suite 605A, Raycom Info Tech Park, 2 Kexueyuan South Road, Zhongguancun, Haidain District,
Beijing, China 100190, +86 10 8286 1788 extension 101, ir@zhongpin.com
 
Earnings release of May 6, 2011 -- page 5

 
“The outlook for the Chinese economy, its food processing industry, and for Zhongpin continues to be very encouraging, so we have reaffirmed our prior guidance for the year 2011, and have revised only the guidance earnings per share numbers for the higher average shares that are outstanding in 2011 as a result of the completion of our follow-on offering.”

To help support its planned expansion, in mid-April, Zhongpin signed a framework agreement with China Construction Bank, Henan Branch, that is expected to provide approximately RMB 10 billion in financial support and services to assist Zhongpin in its growth.

Mr. Zhu continued, “We are gratified and honored that China Construction Bank, one of the largest state owned banks in China, is showing its confidence in our operations and faith in our growth potential by lending its substantial financial support to our business. This substantial vote of confidence gives us great comfort as we continue to invest to grow and expand our business and market share.”

Guidance for the year 2011

Mr. Warren Wang, Zhongpin’s Chief Financial Officer, said, “We are reaffirming our prior guidance for the year 2011 and have revised only the guidance earnings per share numbers to reflect the higher average shares that are outstanding as a result of our completed offering of 5 million common shares on March 22, 2011.

The guidance for 2011 is based on several assumptions and judgments that include:

 
·
Continuation of China's policies designed to stimulate domestic consumption and economic growth.

 
·
Average pork prices in China are expected to increase between 5% and 10% in 2011 from 2010, based on the assumption of steady economic growth and the forecast trend for the supply of live hogs and the cost to raise hogs.

 
·
A higher percentage of sales from our higher-margin chilled pork and prepared pork products in 2011 than in 2010, while continuing to increase the sales volume of processed pork products to optimize our product structure.
 
 
 

 
 
Zhongpin Inc.
Suite 605A, Raycom Info Tech Park, 2 Kexueyuan South Road, Zhongguancun, Haidain District,
Beijing, China 100190, +86 10 8286 1788 extension 101, ir@zhongpin.com
 
Earnings release of May 6, 2011 -- page 6

 
 
·
Average capacity utilization for the year of about 79% for pork products.

 
·
Increasing distribution efficiencies and reduction in the duration of delivery times by expanding our cold-chain logistics system, networks, and service.

 
·
Continuing to reinforce awareness, recognition, and selection of Zhongpin brand products in the major regional markets, to expand awareness of the brand across China, and to increase market share and the brand’s price premium.

 
·
And continuation of the Chinese government's support and subsidies for producers of agricultural products, such as Zhongpin. Total government subsidies for Zhongpin are expected to exceed $5 million in 2011.

“Given those comments and assumptions, here are the numbers.

“For the year 2011, we expect that Zhongpin's sales revenues should be within a range of US$1.18 billion to $1.23 billion.

“Gross profit margin is expected to be within the range of 11.7% to 12.4%.

“Net profit margin is expected to be within the range of 5.7% to 6.3%.

“Revising only for the higher average shares expected for the year 2011, the resulting diluted earnings per share for the year 2011 is currently expected to be within the range of $1.66 to $1.91 per share, assuming average diluted common shares outstanding of about 40.5 million shares in 2011.

“Zhongpin believes that China's meat and food industry will continue to consolidate in 2011 at a more rapid pace than in 2010, which may result in higher market shares for our main competitors. However, we believe that Zhongpin is equipped to meet the challenge of increasing competition and that our guidance for 2011 can be achieved.”
 
 
 

 
 
Zhongpin Inc.
Suite 605A, Raycom Info Tech Park, 2 Kexueyuan South Road, Zhongguancun, Haidain District,
Beijing, China 100190, +86 10 8286 1788 extension 101, ir@zhongpin.com
 
Earnings release of May 6, 2011 -- page 7

 
Sales revenues

Total revenue increased $81.5 million or 40% to $285.8 million in the three months ended March 31, 2011 from $204.3 million in the first three months ended March 31, 2010, primarily due to increased average selling prices of Zhongpin’s products and increased sales volume in its meat and meat products segment resulting from the company’s continuing geographic expansion, more branded stores, and increased sales to food service distributors in China.
 
The following table presents Zhongpin’s sales by product division for the first quarter 2011 and 2010.
 
   
Sales by Division
 
   
Three months ended
   
Three months ended
 
   
March 31, 2011
   
March 31, 2010
 
               
Average
               
Average
 
   
Metric
   
Revenues
   
Price /
   
Metric
   
Revenues
   
Price /
 
   
Tons
   
(millions)
   
Metric Ton
   
Tons
   
(millions)
   
Metric Ton
 
Pork and Pork Products
                                   
Chilled pork
    70,099     $ 168.6     $ 2,405       64,418     $ 114.7     $ 1,781  
Frozen pork
    32,736       73.5     $ 2,245       32,845       50.4     $ 1,534  
Prepared pork products
    20,114       41.3     $ 2,053       16,047       36.3     $ 2,262  
Vegetables and Fruits
    3,288       2.4     $ 730       3,952       2.9     $ 734  
Total
    126,237     $ 285.8     $ 2,264       117,262     $ 204.3     $ 1,742  
 
The pork market in China is highly fragmented, and in the markets where the company sells its products, no single supplier has a significant influence on the market price of pork or related pork products. Zhongpin has been pricing its products based on the value of its brand, the quality of its products, hog prices during the period, and pricing trends for similar products in the regions where it operates.

Chilled pork revenues increased on higher tonnage at higher average prices. Revenues from chilled pork products increased 47% in the first quarter 2011 from first quarter 2010. Chilled pork tonnage increased 9% in the first quarter 2011 from the prior first quarter. The average price per metric ton for chilled pork increased 35% in the first quarter from the first quarter 2010.

Frozen pork revenues increased on slightly lower tonnage at higher average prices. Revenues from frozen pork products increased 46% in the first quarter 2011 from the first quarter 2010. Frozen pork tonnage decreased 0.3% in the first quarter 2011 from the first quarter 2010. The average price per metric ton for frozen pork increased 46% in the first quarter 2011 from the first quarter 2010.
 
 
 

 
 
Zhongpin Inc.
Suite 605A, Raycom Info Tech Park, 2 Kexueyuan South Road, Zhongguancun, Haidain District,
Beijing, China 100190, +86 10 8286 1788 extension 101, ir@zhongpin.com
 
Earnings release of May 6, 2011 -- page 8

 
Prepared pork revenues increased on higher tonnage at lower average prices. Revenues from prepared pork products increased 14% in the first quarter 2011 from the first quarter 2010. Prepared pork tonnage increased 25% in the first quarter 2011 from the first quarter 2010. The average price per metric ton for prepared pork products decreased 9% in the first quarter 2011 from the first quarter 2010.

Pork and pork products totaled 99.2% of total revenues in the first quarter 2011 and 98.6% in the first quarter 2010.

Vegetables and fruits revenues decreased on lower tonnage at lower average prices. Vegetables and fruits revenues decreased 17% in the first quarter 2011 from the first quarter 2010. Tonnage of vegetables and fruits decreased 17% in the first quarter 2011 from the first quarter 2010. Average price per metric ton for vegetables and fruits decreased 0.5% in the first quarter 2011 from the first quarter 2010. Vegetables and fruits were 0.8% of total revenues in the first quarter 2011 and 1.4% in the first quarter 2010.

The sales of meat and vegetable products are closely related to the particular regional markets in which the company’s distribution channels are located. Therefore, the increase in metric tons sold in the first quarter 2011 was partly attributable to company’s effort to expand its distribution channels. The following table shows the changes in Zhongpin’s distribution channels.
 
 
 

 
 
Zhongpin Inc.
Suite 605A, Raycom Info Tech Park, 2 Kexueyuan South Road, Zhongguancun, Haidain District,
Beijing, China 100190, +86 10 8286 1788 extension 101, ir@zhongpin.com
 
Earnings release of May 6, 2011 -- page 9

 
   
Numbers of Store and Cities Generating Sales Volume
 
    (unaudited)  
   
As of March 31,
   
Net
       
   
2011
   
2010
   
Change
   
% Change
 
Showcase store
    165       148       17       11 %
Branded stores
    1,105       1,017       88       9 %
Supermarket counters
    2,108       2,055       53       3 %
Total
    3,378       3,220       158       5 %
First-tier cities
    29       29       --       --  
Second-tier cities
    131       125       6       5 %
Third-tier cities
    424       393       31       8 %
Total
    584       547       37       7 %
 
The expansion in Zhongpin’s distribution channels and geographical coverage has been a significant factor in the increase in its sales volume. The following table shows revenues by distribution channel.
 
   
Sales by Distribution Channel
 
    (unaudited)  
    (U.S. dollars in millions)  
   
First quarter
   
Net
       
   
2011
   
2010
   
Change
   
% Change
 
Retail channels
  $ 107.7     $ 84.6     $ 23.1       27 %
Wholesalers and distributors
    97.4       62.2       35.2       57 %
Restaurants and food service
    77.2       56.2       21.0       37 %
Export
    3.5       1.3       2.2       169 %
Total
  $ 285.8     $ 204.3     $ 81.5       40 %
 
The increase in sales to different distribution channels was primarily due to the following factors:
§
Zhongpin’s has maintained its utilization rate for all facilities;
§
the company has built up its brand image and brand recognition through general advertising display promotions and sales campaigns;
§
the company has increased the number of stores and other channels through which it sells its products; and
§
Zhongpin believes consumers are placing increased importance on food safety and are willing to pay higher prices for safe food products.
 
 
 

 
 
Zhongpin Inc.
Suite 605A, Raycom Info Tech Park, 2 Kexueyuan South Road, Zhongguancun, Haidain District,
Beijing, China 100190, +86 10 8286 1788 extension 101, ir@zhongpin.com
 
Earnings release of May 6, 2011 -- page 10

 
Cost of sales

As discussed above, all meat products are derived from the same raw materials, which are live hogs. Vegetable and fruit products are purchased from farmers located close to the company’s processing facility in Changge, Henan. As a result, the purchasing costs of live hogs and vegetables and fruits represent substantially all the costs of raw materials. Costs of sales primarily include costs of raw materials, labor costs, and overhead. Of the total costs of sales, the costs of raw materials typically account for about 95.0% to 97.0%, overhead typically accounts for 2.0% to 3.5%, and labor costs typically account for 1.5% to 1.7%, with slight variations from period to period.
 
    Costs of Sales by Division  
    (unaudited)  
   
Three months ended
   
Three months ended
 
    March 31, 2011     March 31, 2010  
               
Average
               
Average
 
               
Cost per
               
Cost per
 
   
Metric
   
Amount
   
Metric
   
Metric
   
Amount
   
Metric
 
   
Tons
   
(millions)
   
Ton
   
Tons
   
(millions)
   
Ton
 
Products
                                   
Chilled pork
    70,099     $ 149.6     $ 2,134       64,418     $ 102.1     $ 1,585  
Frozen pork
    32,736       67.8     $ 2,071       32,845       46.3     $ 1,410  
Prepared pork products
    20,114       30.6     $ 1,521       16,047       28.6     $ 1,782  
Vegetables and Fruits
    3,288       1.9     $ 578       3,952       2.4     $ 607  
Total
    126,237     $ 249.9     $ 1,980       117,262     $ 179.4     $ 1,530  
 
Gross profit margin (gross profit divided by revenue) increased to 12.6% in the first quarter 2011 from 12.2% in the first quarter 2010 primarily due to (a) the company’s effort to adjust its production level, product mix, and the percentages of the sales sold through different sales channels, (b) the selling prices of pork and pork products that were maintained at higher levels, and (c) consumers who were willing to pay higher prices for high-quality products.
 
 
 

 
 
Zhongpin Inc.
Suite 605A, Raycom Info Tech Park, 2 Kexueyuan South Road, Zhongguancun, Haidain District,
Beijing, China 100190, +86 10 8286 1788 extension 101, ir@zhongpin.com
 
Earnings release of May 6, 2011 -- page 11

 
General, administrative, and selling expenses

General and administrative expenses increased $0.3 million or 5% to $6.4 million in the first quarter 2011 from $6.1 million in the first quarter 2010 primarily due to a $0.1 million increase in intangible assets amortization expense due to more land use rights the company purchased for its expansion, and a $0.2 million increase in insurance expenses. As a percentage of revenues, general and administrative expenses decreased to 2.3% in the first quarter 2011 from 3.0% for the first quarter 2010.

Selling expenses increased $2.0 million or 47% to $6.3 million in the first quarter 2011 from $4.3 million in the first quarter 2010, mainly due to Zhongpin’s higher sales of pork and pork products and a $0.7 million increase in salaries and a $0.9 million increase in transportation costs. As a percentage of revenue, selling expenses increased to 2.2% in the first quarter 2011 from 2.1% in the first quarter 2010.

Research & development expenses

Research and development expenses increased to $0.4 million in the first quarter 2011 from $0.04 million in the first quarter 2010.

Interest expense

Interest expense, net of interest income, increased $4.0 million or 286% to $5.4 million in the first quarter 2011 from $1.4 million in the first quarter 2010 primarily due to (a) higher interest rates in the first quarter 2011 compared with the first quarter 2010 because the People’s Bank of China increased interest rates to cool down the China economy, (b) higher bank borrowings in the first quarter 2011 compared with first quarter 2010, and (c) Zhongpin cashed additional bank notes in the first quarter 2011, which generated interest expense.

Other income, exchange gain, and government subsidies
 
Other income, exchange gain, and government subsidies decreased $0.2 million or 17% to $1.0 million in the first quarter 2011 from $1.2 million in the first quarter 2010.
 
 
 

 
 
Zhongpin Inc.
Suite 605A, Raycom Info Tech Park, 2 Kexueyuan South Road, Zhongguancun, Haidain District,
Beijing, China 100190, +86 10 8286 1788 extension 101, ir@zhongpin.com
 
Earnings release of May 6, 2011 -- page 12

 
Provision for income taxes
 
The effective tax rate in China on income generated from the sale of prepared products is 25%. There is no income tax on income generated from the sale of raw products, including raw meat products and raw vegetable and fruit products. The increase of $0.5 million in the provision for income taxes in the first quarter 2011 from the first quarter 2010 resulted from higher sales of prepared pork products.

Net income

Net income increased 27% to $16.9 million in the first quarter 2011 from $13.3 million in the first quarter 2010 primarily due to higher revenues from higher tonnage sold at higher average prices, effective use and control of expenses, and higher government subsidies, partly offset by higher interest expenses and higher income taxes. The net profit margin (net income divided by revenues) declined to 5.9% in the first quarter 2011 from 6.5% in the first quarter 2010, primarily due to higher interest expense in the first quarter 2011. The higher interest expense came from higher borrowings, higher interest rates, and higher short-term borrowings from banks in the first quarter 2011 to support planned expansions in production and R&D facilities to generate higher expected future growth.

Earnings per share

Basic earnings per share increased 24% to $0.47 in the first quarter 2011 from $0.38 in the first quarter 2010. Average basic shares outstanding increased 3% to 35,850,877 shares in the first quarter 2011 from 34,715,466 shares in the first quarter 2010.

Diluted earnings per share increased 24% to $0.47 in the first quarter 2011 from $0.38 in the first quarter 2010. Average diluted shares outstanding increased 3% to 36,224,022 shares in the first quarter 2011 from 35,222,810 shares in the first quarter 2010.

Liquidity and capital resources

Net cash provided by operating activities was $9.9 million in the first quarter 2011, generated mainly from net income, depreciation, and changes in current assets and current liabilities.
Net cash used in investing activities was $68.4 million in the first quarter 2011, primarily for deposits for purchasing land use rights, construction in progress, and the required increase in restricted cash.
 
 
 

 
 
Zhongpin Inc.
Suite 605A, Raycom Info Tech Park, 2 Kexueyuan South Road, Zhongguancun, Haidain District,
Beijing, China 100190, +86 10 8286 1788 extension 101, ir@zhongpin.com
 
Earnings release of May 6, 2011 -- page 13

 
Net cash provided by financing activities totaled $151.0 million in the first quarter 2011, primarily provided by the proceeds from the issuance of bank notes and common stock and higher short-term borrowings from banks.

As a result, including the effects of currency exchange rate changes in the first quarter 2011, cash and cash equivalents increased $93.4 million in the first quarter 2011 from December 31, 2010, and cash and cash equivalents totaled $177.6 million on March 31, 2011.

Zhongpin believes its existing cash and cash equivalents, together with its ability to secure bank borrowings, will be sufficient to finance its investment in new facilities, with budgeted capital expenditures of about $1,872.4 million over the next 12 months, and to satisfy its working capital needs. It intends to satisfy its short-term debt obligations that mature over the next 12 months through additional short-term bank loans, in most cases by rolling the maturing loans into new short-term loans with the same lenders as it has done in the past.

Conference call and webcast 

Zhongpin will host its quarterly conference call and live webcast at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time (New York) on Monday, May 9, 2011, which is 8:00 p.m. in Beijing on the same day.

The dial-in details for the live conference call are:
 
U.S. toll-free number
1-866-549-1292
International dial-in number
+852-3005-2050
Mainland China toll-free number
400-681-6949
Participant PIN code
326957#
 
The live webcast and archive of the conference call will be available on the Investor Relations section of Zhongpin's website at http://www.zpfood.com.

A telephone replay of the call will be available after the conclusion of the conference call through 9:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time, March 14, 2011. The dial-in details for the telephone replay are:
 
U.S. toll-free number
1-866-549-1292
International dial-in number
+852-3005-2050
Mainland China toll-free number
400-681-6949
Participant PIN code
326957#
 
 
 

 
 
Zhongpin Inc.
Suite 605A, Raycom Info Tech Park, 2 Kexueyuan South Road, Zhongguancun, Haidain District,
Beijing, China 100190, +86 10 8286 1788 extension 101, ir@zhongpin.com
 
Earnings release of May 6, 2011 -- page 14

 
About Zhongpin

Zhongpin Inc. is a meat and food processing company that specializes in pork and pork products, vegetables, and fruits in China. Its distribution network in China covers 20 provinces plus Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, and Chongqing and includes 3,378 retail outlets. Zhongpin's export markets include Europe, Hong Kong, and other countries in Asia. For more information about Zhongpin, please visit Zhongpin's website at http://www.zpfood.com.

Safe harbor statement

Certain statements in this news release are forward-looking statements made under the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Zhongpin has based its forward-looking statements largely on its current expectations and projections about future events and trends that it believes may affect its business strategy, results of operations, financial condition, and financing needs.

These projections involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements, which may include but are not limited to such factors as downturns in the Chinese economy, unanticipated changes in product demand, interruptions in the supply of live pigs and or raw pork, the effects of weather on hog feed production, poor performance of the retail distribution network, delivery delays, freezer facility malfunctions, Zhongpin’s ability to build and commence new production facilities according to intended timelines, the ability to prepare Zhongpin for growth, the ability to predict Zhongpin’s future financial performance and financing ability, changes in regulations, and other information detailed in Zhongpin's filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. These filings are available from www.sec.gov or from Zhongpin’s website at www.zpfood.com.

You are urged to consider these factors carefully in evaluating Zhongpin’s forward-looking statements and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on those forward-looking statements, which are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. All information provided in this news release is as of the date of this release. Zhongpin does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law.
 
 
 

 
 
Zhongpin Inc.
Suite 605A, Raycom Info Tech Park, 2 Kexueyuan South Road, Zhongguancun, Haidain District,
Beijing, China 100190, +86 10 8286 1788 extension 101, ir@zhongpin.com
 
Earnings release of May 6, 2011 -- page 15

 
For more information, please contact:
 
Zhongpin Inc.

Mr. Sterling Song (English and Chinese)
Investor Relations Manager
Telephone +86 10 8286 1788 extension 101 in Beijing
ir@zhongpin.com

Mr. Warren (Feng) Wang (English and Chinese)
Chief Financial Officer
Telephone +86 10 8286 1788 extension 104 in Beijing
warren.wang@zhongpin.com

Christensen

Mr. Christian Arnell (English and Chinese)
Telephone +86 10 5826 4939 in Beijing
carnell@christensenir.com

Mr. Tom Myers (English)
Mobile +86 139 1141 3520 in Beijing
tmyers@christensenir.com

Ms. Kathy Li (English and Chinese)
Telephone +1 212 618 1978
kli@christensenir.com

Financial statements follow.
 
 
 

 
 
Zhongpin Inc.
Suite 605A, Raycom Info Tech Park, 2 Kexueyuan South Road, Zhongguancun, Haidain District,
Beijing, China 100190, +86 10 8286 1788 extension 101, ir@zhongpin.com
 
Earnings release of May 6, 2011 -- page 16

 
ZHONGPIN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Amounts in U.S. dollars) (Unaudited)
 
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
Revenues
           
Sales revenues
  $ 285,783,221     $ 204,284,915  
Cost of sales
    (249,866,971 )     (179,366,565 )
Gross profit
    35,916,250       24,918,350  
                 
Operating expenses
               
General and administrative expenses
    (6,427,546 )     (6,058,141 )
Selling expenses
    (6,273,320 )     (4,336,828 )
Research and development expenses
    (431,506 )     (40,852 )
Total operating expenses
    (13,132,372 )     (10,435,821 )
Income from operations
    22,783,878       14,482,529  
                 
Other income (expense)
               
Interest income (expenses), net
    (5,437,069 )     (1,435,461 )
Other income (expenses), net
    (27,033 )     565,063  
Exchange gain (loss)
    (39,812 )     (304 )
Government subsidies
    1,114,621       625,156  
Total other income (expense)
    (4,389,293 )     (245,546 )
Net income before taxes
    18,394,585       14,236,983  
Provision for income taxes
    (1,511,390 )     (986,520 )
Net income
    16,883,195       13,250,463  
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
    (154 )     --  
Net income attributable to Zhongpin Inc. shareholders
  $ 16,883,042     $ 13,250,463  
                 
Foreign currency translation adjustment
    3,807,915       86,265  
Foreign currency translation adjustment attributable to noncontrolling interest
    (1,062 )     --  
Foreign currency translation adjustment attributable to Zhongpin Inc. shareholders
    3,806,853       86,265  
                 
Comprehensive income
    20,691,110       13,336,728  
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest
    (1,216 )     --  
Comprehensive income attributable to Zhongpin Inc. shareholders
  $ 20,689,894     $ 13,336,728  
                 
Basic earnings per common share
  $ 0.47     $ 0.38  
Diluted earnings per common share
  $ 0.47     $ 0.38  
Basic weighted average shares outstanding
    35,850,877       34,715,466  
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
    36,224,022       35,222,810  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
 
 

 
 
Zhongpin Inc.
Suite 605A, Raycom Info Tech Park, 2 Kexueyuan South Road, Zhongguancun, Haidain District,
Beijing, China 100190, +86 10 8286 1788 extension 101, ir@zhongpin.com
 
Earnings release of May 6, 2011 -- page 17

 
ZHONGPIN INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Amounts in U.S. dollars)
 
   
March 31, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
ASSETS
 
(Unaudited)
       
Current assets
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 177,565,058     $ 84,172,186  
Restricted cash
    56,112,212       17,527,056  
Bank notes receivable
    30,853,963       19,282,740  
                 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,105,961 and $1,708,479
    38,261,591       30,784,463  
Other receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $244,539 and $232,751
    2,009,314       1,035,850  
Purchase deposits
    7,997,477       7,415,567  
Inventories
    33,741,140       26,534,014  
Prepaid expenses
    858,850       391,386  
VAT recoverable
    24,406,346       20,771,902  
Allowance receivables
    4,346,071       2,477,928  
Deferred tax assets
    401,766       397,744  
Other current assets
    424,037       442,080  
Total current assets
    376,977,825       211,232,916  
                 
Long-term investment
    457,568       452,987  
Property, plant and equipment (net)
    315,748,584       291,567,396  
Deposits for purchase of land use rights
    33,447,089       17,059,644  
Construction in progress
    19,575,070       30,433,905  
Land use rights
    86,892,120       86,475,708  
Deferred charges
    14,825       21,686  
Other non-current assets
    1,451,254       1,436,726  
Total assets
  $ 834,564,335     $ 638,680,968  
 
 
 

 
 
Zhongpin Inc.
Suite 605A, Raycom Info Tech Park, 2 Kexueyuan South Road, Zhongguancun, Haidain District,
Beijing, China 100190, +86 10 8286 1788 extension 101, ir@zhongpin.com
 
Earnings release of May 6, 2011 -- page 18

 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
           
             
Current liabilities
           
Short-term loans
  $ 103,540,282     $ 91,774,025  
Bank notes payable
    106,581,355       18,646,473  
Long-term loans - current portion
    15,397,943       14,943,260  
Capital lease obligation-current portion
    6,531,215       7,282,720  
Accounts payable
    17,554,610       8,551,003  
Other payables
    16,773,831       15,842,331  
Accrued liabilities
    12,157,862       9,794,474  
Deposits from customers
    6,017,253       8,255,194  
Tax payable
    1,544,020       1,604,847  
Total current liabilities
    286,098,371       176,694,327  
                 
Deferred tax liabilities
    365,797       362,135  
Deposits from customers – long-term portion
    1,824,432       1,958,827  
Capital lease obligation
    4,084,650       4,999,454  
Long-term loans
    82,981,178       83,672,401  
Total liabilities
    375,354,428       267,687,144  
                 
Equity
               
Common stock: par value $0.001; 100,000,000 authorized; 40,338,160 and 35,338,160 shares issued and outstanding
    40,338       35,338  
Additional paid-in capital
    238,122,278       171,401,989  
Retained earnings
    186,862,386       169,979,344  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    33,384,006       29,577,153  
Total Zhongpin Inc. shareholders’ equity
    458,409,008       370,993,824  
Noncontrolling interest
    800,899       --  
Total shareholders' equity
    459,209,907       370,993,824  
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
  $ 834,564,335     $ 638,680,968  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
 
 

 
 
Zhongpin Inc.
Suite 605A, Raycom Info Tech Park, 2 Kexueyuan South Road, Zhongguancun, Haidain District,
Beijing, China 100190, +86 10 8286 1788 extension 101, ir@zhongpin.com
 
Earnings release of May 6, 2011 -- page 19

 
ZHONGPIN INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Amount in U.S. dollars) (Unaudited)
 
   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
           
Net income
  $ 16,883,195     $ 13,250,463  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operations:
               
Depreciation
    3,964,080       2,729,974  
Amortization of intangible assets
    456,188       327,390  
Provision for allowance for bad debt
    388,054       374,030  
Stock-based compensation expense
    368,627       473,472  
                 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
               
Accounts receivable
    (7,515,312 )     (9,929,541 )
Other receivables
    (968,464 )     266,413  
Purchase deposits
    (504,858 )     1,573,258  
Prepaid expense
    (461,894 )     (110,379 )
Inventories
    (6,910,560 )     (2,024,048 )
Tax refunds receivable
    (3,410,453 )     (2,192,751 )
Other current assets
    22,422       (35,240 )
Long-term deferred charges
    7,052       11,351  
Accounts payable
    8,880,836       3,280,371  
Other payables
    773,741       534,534  
Allowance receivables
    (1,835,583 )     (4,412,736 )
Accrued liabilities
    2,261,200       3,082,041  
Taxes payable
    (76,742 )     21,859  
Deposits from customers
    (2,311,969 )     (355,299 )
Deposits from customers – long-term portion
    (153,576 )     204,761  
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
    9,855,984       7,069,923  
 
 
 

 
 
Zhongpin Inc.
Suite 605A, Raycom Info Tech Park, 2 Kexueyuan South Road, Zhongguancun, Haidain District,
Beijing, China 100190, +86 10 8286 1788 extension 101, ir@zhongpin.com
 
Earnings release of May 6, 2011 -- page 20

 
Cash flows from investing activities:
           
Deposits for purchase of land use rights
    (16,148,923 )     --  
Construction in progress
    (11,504,427 )     (19,057,251 )
Additions to property and equipment
    (2,484,867 )     (1,942,869 )
Additions to land use rights
    --       (477,844 )
Increase in restricted cash
    (38,251,560 )     3,953,897  
Net cash used in investing activities
    (68,389,777 )     (17,524,067 )
                 
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Proceeds from (repayment of) bank notes, net
    76,059,193       (4,815,772 )
Proceeds from (repayment of) short-term bank loans, net
    10,794,093       (19,887,508 )
Proceeds from long-term loans
    --       23,945,495  
(Repayment of) long-term loans
    (1,228,744 )     --  
Repayment of capital lease obligation
    (1,783,221 )     (1,636,194 )
Proceeds from common stock
    66,356,662       --  
Proceeds from exercised warrants and option
    --       213,350  
Investment in a subsidiary by minority holder
    797,485       --  
Net cash provided by financing activities
    150,995,468       (2,180,629 )
                 
Effects of rate changes on cash
    931,197       16,269  
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    93,392,872       (12,618,504 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    84,172,186       68,982,259  
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  $ 177,565,058     $ 56,363,755  
                 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
               
Cash paid for interest
  $ 5,158,272     $ 1,926,252  
Cash paid for income taxes
  $ 1,674,353     $ 964,583  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.