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Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

Form 10-Q

 

 

 

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2012

OR

 

¨ 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

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

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  x    No  ¨

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   ¨    Accelerated filer   ¨
Non-accelerated filer   ¨    Smaller reporting company   x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

The number of shares of common stock outstanding as of May 10, 2012 is 20,027,204.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

CEREPLAST, INC.

FORM 10-Q

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page  
PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION   

Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

     3   

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AT MARCH 31, 2012 AND DECEMBER 31, 2011

     3   

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2012 AND 2011

     4   

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2012 AND 2011

     5   

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

     6   

Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

     16   

Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

     22   

Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

     22   
PART II—OTHER INFORMATION   

Item 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

     22   

Item 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

     23   

Item 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

     23   

Item 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

     23   

Item 5. OTHER INFORMATION

     23   

Item 6. EXHIBITS

     23   

SIGNATURES

     24   

Exhibit 31.1

  

Exhibit 31.2

  

Exhibit 32.1

  

Exhibit 32.2

  

EX-101 INSTANCE DOCUMENT

  

EX-101 SCHEMA DOCUMENT

  

EX-101 CALCULATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT

  

EX-101 LABELS LINKBASE DOCUMENT

  

EX-101 PRESENTATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT

  

EX-101 DEFINITION LINKBASE DOCUMENT

  

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.

 

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Table of Contents

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CEREPLAST, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except shares data)

 

     March 31, 2012     December 31, 2011  
     (Unaudited)     

ASSETS

    

Current Assets

    

Cash

   $ 1,059      $ 3,940   

Accounts Receivable, Net

     14,787        14,744   

Inventory, Net

     4,285        4,406   

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets

     828        966   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Current Assets

     20,959        24,056   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Property and Equipment

    

Property and Equipment

     13,928        13,752   

Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization

     (3,315     (3,151
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Property and Equipment, Net

     10,613        10,601   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other Assets

    

Restricted Cash

     43        43   

Deferred Loan Costs

     1,182        1,321   

Intangible Assets, Net

     211        183   

Deposits

     47        47   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Other Assets

     1,483        1,594   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Assets

   $ 33,055      $ 36,251   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

    

Current Liabilities

    

Accounts Payable

   $ 1,496      $ 1,813   

Accrued Expenses

     2,472        2,760   

Capital Leases, Current Portion

     75        73   

Loan Payable, Current Portion

     1,897        1,855   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Current Liabilities

     5,940        6,501   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Long-Term Liabilities

    

Loan Payable

     6,955        7,307   

Convertible Subordinated Notes

     12,500        12,500   

Capital Leases, Long-Term

     226        245   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Long-Term Liabilities

     19,681        20,052   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

     25,621        26,553   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shareholders’ Equity

    

Preferred Stock, $0.001 par value; 5,000,000 shares authorized and none outstanding

     —          —     

Common Stock, $0.001 par value; 495,000,000 shares authorized; 19,027,204 and 18,933,139 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively

     19        19   

Additional Paid in Capital

     66,644        66,524   

Accumulated Deficit

     (59,321     (56,935

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

     88        86   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     7,430        9,694   

Noncontrolling Interests

     4        4   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Equity

     7,434        9,698   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

   $ 33,055      $ 36,251   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

CEREPLAST, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(unaudited, in thousands, except per share data)

 

     Three Months Ended  
     March 31, 2012     March 31, 2011  

Gross Product Sales

   $ 114      $ 7,285   

Sales Discounts, Returns and Allowances

     (11     (45
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Sales

     103        7,240   

Cost of Goods Sold

     638        6,538   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross Profit (Loss)

     (535     702   

Operating Expenses:

    

Research and Development

     129        250   

Selling, General and Administrative

     1,216        2,043   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Operating Expenses

     1,345        2,293   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating Loss

     (1,880     (1,591

Interest and Other Income

     18        —     

Interest Expense

     (524     (159
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss Before Provision for Income Taxes

     (2,386     (1,750

Provision for Income Taxes

     —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Loss

     (2,386     (1,750

Gain (Loss) on Foreign Currency Translation

     2        (47
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Comprehensive Loss

   $ (2,384   $ (1,797
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Loss Per Share—Basic and Diluted

   $ (0.13   $ (0.12
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding—Basic and Diluted

     18,948,644        14,873,018   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

CEREPLAST, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(unaudited, in thousands, except shares data)

 

     Three Months Ended  
     March 31, 2012     March 31, 2011  

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

    

Net Loss

   $ (2,386   $ (1,750

Adjustment to Reconcile Net Loss to Net Cash Used in Operating Activities

    

Depreciation and Amortization

     176        216   

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

     —          42   

Common Stock Issued for Services, Salaries and Wages

     121        584   

Amortization of Loan Discount

     19        19   

Impairment of Intangible Assets

     —          64   

Changes in Operating Assets and Liabilities

    

Accounts Receivable

     (43     (6,417

Deferred Loan Costs

     138        28   

Inventory

     121        (403

Deposits

     —          (10

Prepaid Expenses

     147        (76

Accounts Payable

     (315     (1,337

Accrued Expenses

     (289     97   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES

     (2,311     (8,943
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

    

Purchase of Property and Equipment, and Intangibles

     (115     (89

Proceeds from Sale of Equipment

     15        —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES

     (100     (89
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

    

Payments on Capital Leases

     (18     (1

Payments made on Notes Payable

     (454     —     

Proceeds from Loan Payable, Net of Loan Costs

     —          2,502   

Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock and Subscriptions, Net of Issuance Costs

     —          11,372   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET CASH (USED) PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES

     (472     13,873   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION

     2        (47
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH

     (2,881     4,794   

CASH, BEGINNING OF PERIOD

     3,940        2,391   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH, END OF PERIOD

   $ 1,059      $ 7,185   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION

    

Cash Paid During the Year For:

    

Interest

   $ 151      $ 119   

Income Taxes

   $ —        $ —     

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH TRANSACTIONS

    

During the three months ended March 31, 2012, the Company issued 84,478 shares valued at $88 to employees for service rendered during the period and 9,587 shares valued at $10 for a settlement agreement. The Company also recognized $23 of expense related to vesting of employee stock options for the same period. During the three months ended March 31, 2011, the Company issued 83,877 shares valued at $414 for services to directors and employees for services rendered during the period, 12,000 shares valued at $59 for prepaid services and 4,062 shares valued at $20 for a settelment agreement. The Company also recognized $112 of expense related to vesting of employee stock options for the same period.

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

March 31, 2012

(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

Cereplast, Inc. (“we” or “Cereplast”) has developed and is commercializing proprietary bio-based resins through two complementary product families: Cereplast Compostables® resins which are compostable, renewable, ecologically sound substitutes for petroleum-based plastics, and Cereplast Sustainables™ resins (including the Cereplast Hybrid Resins product line), which replaces up to 90% of the petroleum-based content of traditional plastics with materials from renewable resources. Our resins can be converted into finished products using conventional manufacturing equipment without significant additional capital investment by downstream converters.

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 national, state and local level.

We are a full-service resin solution provider 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 two product families:

 

   

Cereplast Compostables® resins are compostable and bio-based, ecologically sound substitutes for petroleum-based plastics targeting primarily compostable bags, single-use food service products and packaging applications. We offer 13 commercial grades of Compostable 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 Compostable line in November 2006.

 

   

Cereplast Sustainables™ resins are partially or fully bio-based, ecologically sound substitutes for fully petroleum-based plastics targeting primarily durable goods, packaging applications. We offer six commercial grades of Sustainable 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 Sustainable line in late 2007 under the name “Cereplast Hybrid Resins®.”

 

   

Cereplast Hybrid Resins® products replace up to 55% of the petroleum content in conventional plastics with bio-based materials such as industrial starches sourced from plants. The Hybrid resins 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. The Cereplast Hybrid Resins® line provides 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 four commercial grades in this product line.

 

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Cereplast Algae Plastic® resins. In October of 2009 we announced that we have been developing a new technology to transform algae into bioplastics and intend to launch a new resin family containing algae-based materials that will complement our existing line of resins. The first commercial product with Cereplast Algae Plastic® resin is now being produced and sold as part of our Sustainables resin family. We believe that it is important to enhance research on non-food crops as we expect a surge in demand in bioplastics in future years, thus potentially creating pressure on food crops. Algae are the first non-food crop project that we have introduced and our R&D department is contemplating the development of additional non-food crop based materials in future years.

Our patent portfolio is currently comprised of six patents in the United States (“U.S.”), one Mexican patent, and eight pending patent applications in the U.S. and abroad. Our trademark portfolio is currently comprised of approximately 45 registered marks and 21 pending applications in the U.S. and abroad.

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation and Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”). The unaudited consolidated financial statements include the financial condition and results of operations of our wholly-owned subsidiary, Cereplast International, S.A., a Luxembourg company organized during the year ended December 31, 2008, for the purpose of conducting sales operations in Europe. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for a full year. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

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

We consider 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. At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, balances in our cash accounts exceeded federally insured limits of $0.25 million by approximately, $0.7 million and $4.0 million, respectively. We have not experienced any losses in such accounts and we do not believe we are exposed to any significant credit risk on cash and cash equivalents.

Concentration of Credit Risk

We had unrestricted cash totaling $1.1 million and $3.9 million at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, 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. 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. We actively monitor changes in interest rates.

 

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Concentration of credit risk with respect to accounts receivable is limited to certain European customers to whom we make substantial sales. As of March 31, 2012 we had one large European customer that accounted for $7.6 million, or 36% of our accounts receivable balance, which is past due. We have another large European customer with $6.1 million, or 29% of our receivable balance. Agreed upon payment terms for both of these customers are 90 days from receipt of goods. These customers have acknowledged to us their agreement with the amounts owing and no amounts recognized in revenue or recorded in accounts receivable from these customers are in dispute. To reduce risk, we routinely assess the financial strength of our most significant customers, using standard credit risk evaluation methods with reference to publicly available and customer supplied information, and monitor the amounts owed to us, taking appropriate action when necessary. As a result of the recent deterioration in the general economic conditions in Europe and the slow payment by some of our European customers, we have established an allowance for doubtful accounts of $5.4 million to reflect management’s assessment of credit risk associated with these customer balances. We are working with all customers to mitigate credit risk and ensure collection of all outstanding amounts.

Other Concentration

During the three months ended months ended March 31, 2012, we did not have any significant suppliers that accounted for greater than 10% of total cost of goods sold. During the same period in the prior year, we had three significant suppliers that accounted for 34.5%, 17.2%, and 15.0% of total cost of goods sold. No other suppliers accounted for more than 10% of cost of goods sold during these periods.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

We have incurred a net loss of $2.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012, and $14.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, and have an accumulated deficit of $59.3 million as of March 31, 2012. Based on our operating plan, our existing working capital will not be sufficient to meet the cash requirements to fund our planned operating expenses, capital expenditures and working capital requirements through December 31, 2012 without additional sources of cash.

Our plan to address the shortfall of working capital is to generate additional financing through a combination of sale of our equity securities, refinancing existing credit facilities, incremental product sales and collection of outstanding receivables. We are confident that we will be able to deliver on our plans, however, there are no assurances that we will be able to obtain any sources of financing on acceptable terms, or at all.

If we cannot obtain sufficient additional financing in the short-term, we may be forced to curtail or cease operations or file for bankruptcy. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts or amounts and classification of liabilities that might be necessary should we be forced to take such actions.

Restricted Cash

We had restricted cash in the amount of approximately $43,000 on March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011. 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 March 31, 2012, which include cash, accounts receivable, unbilled receivable, accounts payable, accrued expenses, loans payable and convertible subordinated notes approximate their fair values due to the short-term nature of these instruments.

 

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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 quantitative and qualitative review of the receivables past due from customers on a monthly basis. Quantitative factors include customer’s past due balance, prior payment history, recent sales activity and days sales outstanding. Qualitative factors include macroeconomic environment, current product demand, estimated inventory levels and customer’s financial position. In certain cases, we may have access to repossess unsold products held at customer locations as recourse for payment defaults. The fair market value of these products are considered as potential recovery in estimating net losses from uncollectible accounts. We record an allowance 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 approximately $5.4 million as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

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 March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, inventories consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

     March 31, 2012     December 31, 2011  
     (Unaudited)        

Raw Materials

   $ 2,399      $ 2,565   

Bioplastic Resins

     1,918        1,959   

Finished Goods

     41        42   

Packaging Materials

     78        69   

WIP

     60        —     

Obsolescence Reserve

     (211     (229
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Inventories, net

   $ 4,285      $ 4,406   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

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 the following (in thousands):

 

     March 31, 2012     December 31, 2011  
     (Unaudited)        

Equipment

   $ 5,749      $ 5,434   

Building

     5,906        5,906   

Land

     32        32   

Construction In Progress

     1,630        1,743   

Auto

     11        37   

Furniture and Fixtures

     327        327   

Leasehold Improvements

     273        273   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     13,928        13,752   

Accumulated Depreciation

     (3,315     (3,151
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Property and Equipment, Net

   $ 10,613      $ 10,601   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Intangible Assets

Intangible assets 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. Intangible assets consist of the following (in thousands):

 

     March 31, 2012     December 31, 2011  
     (Unaudited)        

Intangible Assets

   $ 252      $ 222   

Accumulated Amortization

     (41     (39
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Intangible Assets, Net

   $ 211      $ 183   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

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.

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, when the following fundamental criteria are met: (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; (ii) delivery has occurred; (iii) the price to the customer is fixed or determinable; and (iv) collection of the sales price is probable.

Certain of our product sales are made to distributors under agreements with generally the same terms of sale and credit as all other customer agreements. Revenue from product sales to our customers, including our customers who are distributors, is recognized upon shipment provided the above noted fundamental criteria of revenue recognition are met. The sale of products to our customers who are distributors is not contingent upon the distributor selling the product to the end-user, and our current agreements with distributors do not have any rights of return.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

We review long-lived assets for possible impairment by evaluating whether the carrying amount of assets exceed its recoverable amount. Our judgment regarding the existence of impairment is based on legal factors, market conditions and operational performance of our assets. Future adverse changes in legal environment, market conditions or poor operating results could result in losses or an inability to recover the carrying value of the long-lived assets, thereby possibly requiring an impairment charge in the future.

 

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Comparative Figures

Certain of the prior year figures have been reclassified to conform to the presentation adopted in the current year.

3. CAPITAL STOCK

Capital Stock Issued

During the three months ended March 31, 2012, we issued shares of common stock as follows:

 

   

We issued 84,478 shares of restricted common stock valued at approximately $88,000 to various employees for services rendered during the period.

 

   

We issued 9,587 shares of common stock valued at approximately $10,000 pursuant to a settlement agreement.

Valuation Assumptions for Stock Options

During the year ended December 31, 2011, we granted options to our employees to purchase an aggregate of 300,000 shares of our common stock, with estimated total grant-date fair values of $0.7 million. We estimate that stock-based compensation for awards not expected to be exercised is $0.2 million. During the three months ended March 31, 2012, we recorded stock-based compensation related to stock options of $23,000. The grant date fair value was estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, assuming no dividends and the following assumptions:

 

     January 14, 2011

Average risk-free interest rate

   2.29%

Average expected life (in years)

   6.0

Volatility

   41.9%

 

   

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

Under the 2004 Employee Stock Option Plan adopted by our board of directors (the “Plan”), our 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 March 31, 2012, we have 34,375 shares available for future grants under the Plan. We settle stock option exercises with newly issued shares of our common stock (in thousands except, per share data):

 

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     2012      2011  
     Shares      Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
     Shares      Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
 

Outstanding—January 1

     373       $ 8.65         73       $ 22.40   

Granted at fair value

     —           —           300         5.31   

Exercised

     —           —           —           —     

Cancelled/forfeited

     —           —           —           —     
  

 

 

       

 

 

    

Outstanding—March 31

     373         8.65         373         8.65   
  

 

 

       

 

 

    

Options exercisable at March 31

     193       $ 11.77         133       $ 14.69   
  

 

 

       

 

 

    

The following table summarizes information about stock options as of March 31, 2012, (in thousands, except per share data):

 

     Options Outstanding      Options Exercisable  

Range of Exercise Prices

   Shares      Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
     Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contract
Life
     Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
     Shares      Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
     Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contract
Life
     Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
 

$0.0—$5.31

     300       $ 5.31         8.91       $ —           120       $ 5.31         8.91       $ —     

$5.32—$22.40

     73       $ 22.40         2.67       $ —           73       $ 22.40         2.67       $ —     

The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total pretax intrinsic value, based on our closing stock price of $0.62 at March 31, 2012 which would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their options as of that date.

4. LOANS PAYABLE

Venture Loan Payable

On December 21, 2010, we entered into a Venture Loan and Security Agreement (the “Loan Agreement”) with Compass Horizon Funding Company, LLC (the “Lender”). The Loan Agreement provides for a total loan commitment of $5.0 million comprising of Loan A and Loan B, each in the amount of $2.5 million. Loan A was funded at closing on December 21, 2010 and matures 39 months after the date of advance. Loan B was funded on February 17, 2011 and also matures 39 months after the date of advance. We are obligated to pay interest per annum equal to the greater of (a) 12% or (b) 12% plus the difference between (i) the one month LIBOR Rate, on the date which is five business days before the funding of such loan and (ii) .30%. We are required to make interest only payments for the first nine months of each loan and equal payments of principal over the final thirty months of each loan. Any payments received after five days of written notice from the Lender will be assessed a 4% late payment fee. We granted a security interest to the Lender in all of our property.

In connection with loan, we issued a seven year warrant to the Lender to purchase 140,000 shares of common stock of the Company at an exercise price of $4.40. The relative fair value of the warrants was $0.2 million and will be recorded as interest expense over the term of the loan. We estimated the fair value of the warrants using the Black-Scholes option pricing model using the following assumptions:

 

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Assumptions:

   December 22, 2010  

Expected Life

     7 years   

Expected volatility

     39.9

Dividends

     None   

Risk-free interest rate

     2.74

Also in connection with the Loan Agreement, we incurred $0.4 million of debt issue costs which were deferred and are being amortized to interest expense over the term of the loan.

Convertible Subordinated Notes

On May 24, 2011, we issued $12.5 million in aggregate principal amount of 7% Senior Subordinated Convertible Notes due June 1, 2016 (the “Notes”). The Notes were issued pursuant to an indenture (the “Indenture”), entered into between us and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee, on May 24, 2011. In connection with the issuance of the Notes, we entered into a Waiver to our Venture Loan and Security Agreement with Horizon, dated May 18, 2011 pursuant to which Horizon provided its consent to the offering of the Notes and waived any restrictions in the Loan Agreement.

The Notes are senior subordinated unsecured obligations which will rank subordinate in right to payment to all of our existing and future senior secured indebtedness and bear interest at a rate of 7% per annum payable semi-annually in arrears on June 1 and December 1 of each year, commencing on December 1, 2011. The Notes mature on June 1, 2016, with an early repurchase date of June 15, 2014 at the option of the purchaser. The Notes are convertible into shares of our common stock in accordance with the terms of the Notes and the Indenture, at the initial conversion rate of 172.4138 shares of our common stock per $1,000 principal amount of Notes, equivalent to a conversion price of approximately $5.80 per share, subject to adjustment. If the Notes are converted into shares of our common stock prior to June 2, 2014, an interest make-whole payment will be due based on the conversion date up until June 2, 2014. Upon a non-stock change in control, additional shares of our common stock may need to be issued upon conversion, with a maximum additional shares of 25.606 per $1,000 in principal amount of Notes being issuable thereunder, for a total maximum of 198.0198 shares per $1,000 Note. Certain customary anti-dilution provisions included in the Indenture and/or the Notes could adjust the conversion rate. At March 31, 2012, the Notes are convertible into 2,155,173 shares of our common stock.

The conversion feature within the Notes is not considered to be a beneficial conversion feature within the meaning of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 470, Debt, and therefore all of the gross proceeds from the Notes have been classified as long term debt. In connection with the issue of the Notes, we incurred approximately $1.3 million of debt issue costs which were deferred and are being amortized to interest expense over the term to the early repurchase date of June 15, 2014.

Also in connection with the issuance of the Notes, we entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement dated May 18, 2011 pursuant to which we agreed to prepare and file a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) registering the resale of the Notes and the shares of common stock underlying the Notes. The registration statement was declared effective on August 10, 2011.

Mortgage Payable

Effective October 24, 2011, Cereplast Italia S.p.A (“Cereplast Italia”), our wholly owned subsidiary, completed its acquisition of an industrial plant and the real estate on which the industrial plant is located in Cannara, Italy. The Deed of Sale between Cereplast Italia and Societa Regionale Per Lo Sviluppo Economico Dell’Umbria — Sviluppumbria S.p.A, provided for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $6.4 million. In connection with the acquisition, Cereplast Italia entered into the following financing transactions:

 

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Mortgage loan with Banca Monte Dei Paschi Di Sienna S.p.A for the principal of $4.5 million. The loan bears interest of Euribor (6-month) plus 5.7%. The loan is for a term of 15 years with interest only payments for the first two years, payable January 1 and July 1 each year and principal and interest payments thereafter according to an amortization schedule. 20% of the principal is guaranteed for 10 years by Gepafin, a local government agency; $0.5 million of the principal is guaranteed by Eurofidi through December 31, 2016.

 

   

Credit facility with Intesa Sanpaolo for up $0.7 million. The facility is for a term of eight months with a floating interest rate based on Euribor (3 month), currently 5.85%. Interest is deferred for the first two months of the term. Cereplast Italia obtained a guarantee of 60% of the amount drawn on the facility from Eurofidi.

 

   

Credit facility with Unicredit Bank for up to $0.8 million. The facility is for a term of 18 months with a floating interest rate based on Euribor (3 month), currently 5.93%. Cereplast Italia obtained a guarantee of 60% of the amount drawn on the facility from Eurofidi.

5. LEASES

We currently operate out of El Segundo, CA, Seymour, IN, and Bönen, Germany. The leases underlying these three facilities are summarized below:

 

   

California Facility — The El Segundo facility consists of approximately 5,475 square feet of corporate office space. The lease commenced on March 1, 2010 and has a term of five years. The lease was subsequently amended on April 1, 2011 to add additional office space. The lease term relating to the additional office space expires on May 31, 2013. Our current monthly rent is $13,389, with 3% annual escalation.

 

   

Indiana Facility — The Seymour facility consists of approximately 105,000 square feet used as a manufacturing and distribution facility for our products. The lease commenced in January 2008, with a ten year term expiring in January 2018. Our current monthly rent is $25,000.

 

   

Bönen Facility— The Bönen facility consists of approximately 1,000 square feet of corporate office space. The facility is subject to a lease with monthly rents of approximately $2,000 expiring in December 2018.

6. MAJOR CUSTOMERS AND FOREIGN SALES

The following customers accounted for 10% or more of net revenue in the periods presented:

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2012     2011  

Customer A

     —          64.8

Customer B

     —          17.0

Customer C

     —          10.2

Customer D

     34.2     —     

Customer E

     24.2     —     

 

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Our net sales were made up of sales to customers in the following geographic regions (in thousands):

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,  
     2012     2011  

North America

   $ 84         81.7   $ 238         3.3

International

          

Germany

     3         3.1     4,687         64.7

Italy

     6         6.2     1,533         21.2

Other

     10         9.0     782         10.8
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net sales

   $ 103         100.0   $ 7,240         100.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

7. 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 or Deferred Tax Liabilities are included in our balance sheets at March 31, 2012 or December 31, 2010.

Our policy is to recognize interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and penalties in operating expenses.

8. COMMON STOCK WARRANTS

In connection with the registered direct offering of 3,125,000 Units effective November 2011, we issued warrants to purchase 2,343,750 of our common stock. The per share exercise price of the warrants is $2.20. The warrants are exercisable at any time on or after the date that is 180 days after the initial issuance on the date of closing and will expire on a date that is five years from the date of closing.

In connection with the issue of 2,596,500 shares of common stock to accredited investors pursuant to the Securities Purchase Agreement entered into on January 26, 2011, we issued warrants to purchase 649,128 shares of the Company’s common stock. The warrants have an exercise price of $6.35 per share and are exercisable for a period of five years commencing August 1, 2011.

A summary of warrant activity for the period ending March 31 is as follows (in thousands except per share data):

 

     2012      2011  
     Number of
Warrants
     Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
     Number of
Warrants
     Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
 

Outstanding—January 1,

     4,219       $ 5.09         1,273       $ 4.44   

Issued

     —           —           649         6.35   

Exercised

     —           —           —           —     
  

 

 

       

 

 

    

Outstanding—March 31

     4,219         5.09         1,922         5.08   
  

 

 

       

 

 

    

Warrants exercisable at end of period

     4,219       $ 5.09         1,922       $ 5.08   
  

 

 

       

 

 

    

9. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On April 30, 2012, we entered into a Subscription Agreement for the sale of 1,000,000 shares of our common stock at a price of $.50 per share (the “Shares”) in a registered direct offering. The net offering proceeds from the sale of the Shares will be used for general corporate purposes. The closing of the sale and issuance of the Shares was completed on May 7, 2012.

On May 1, 2012, we received notice from NASDAQ that our securities do not meet NASDAQ’s Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) minimum bid price requirement. Under the Listing Rules we have a period of 180 days to regain compliance.

 

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S 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;

 

   

worsening economic conditions affecting the economic health of our clients;

 

   

uncertain global economic conditions

 

   

failure to earn profits;

 

   

inadequate capital to expand our business, inability to raise additional capital or financing to implement our business plans;

 

   

decline in demand for our products and services;

 

   

inability to source raw materials in sufficient quantities to support growth in customer demand;

 

   

rapid and significant changes in markets and other factors, including national, state and local legislation, 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 can be no assurance that we will be profitable. We may not be able to successfully manage or market our products, attract or retain qualified executives and technology personnel or obtain additional customers for our products. Our products 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 business.

 

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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.

OVERVIEW

General

We have developed and are commercializing proprietary bio-based resins through two complementary product families: (1) Cereplast Compostables® resins, which are compostable and bio-based, ecologically sound substitutes for traditional petroleum-based non-compostable plastics, and (2) Cereplast Sustainables™ resins, which replace up to 90% of the petroleum-based content of traditional plastics with materials from renewable resources. Our resins aim to be competitively priced compared to fully petroleum-based plastic resins and can be converted into finished products using conventional manufacturing equipment without significant additional capital investment by downstream converters.

The demand for non-petroleum based, clean and renewable sources for materials, such as bioplastics, and the demand for compostable/biodegradable products, is each being driven globally by a variety of factors, including environmental concerns, new stringent regulations on compostable material, fossil fuel price volatility and energy security. These factors have led to increased spending on clean and sustainable products by corporations and individuals as well as legislative initiatives at the local and state level.

We are a full-service resin solution provider 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 two product families:

 

   

Cereplast Compostables® resins are compostable and bio-based, ecologically sound substitutes for petroleum-based plastics targeting primarily compostable bags, single-use food service products and packaging applications. We offer 13 commercial grades of Compostable 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 Compostable line in November 2006.

 

   

Cereplast Sustainables™ resins are partially or fully bio-based, ecologically sound substitutes for fully petroleum-based plastics targeting primarily durable goods, packaging applications. We offer six commercial grades of Sustainable 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 Sustainable line in late 2007 under the name “Cereplast Hybrid Resins®.”

 

   

Cereplast Hybrid Resins® products replace up to 55% of the petroleum content in conventional plastics with bio-based materials such as industrial starches sourced from plants. The Hybrid resins 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. The Cereplast Hybrid Resins® line provides 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 four commercial grades in this product line.

 

   

Cereplast Algae Plastic® resins. In October of 2009 we announced that we have been developing a new technology to transform algae into bioplastics and intend to launch a new resin family containing algae-based materials that will complement our existing line of resins. The first commercial product with Cereplast Algae Plastic® resin is now being produced and sold as part of our Sustainables resin family. We believe that it is important to enhance research on non-food crops as we expect a surge in demand in bioplastics in future years, thus potentially creating pressure on food crops. Algae are the first non-food crop project that we have introduced and our R&D department is contemplating the development of additional non-food crop based materials in future years.

 

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Our patent portfolio is currently comprised of six patents in the United States (“U.S.”), one Mexican patent, and eight pending patent applications in the U.S. and abroad. Our trademark portfolio is currently comprised of approximately 45 registered marks and 21 pending applications in the U.S. and abroad.

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 and slower growth. These conditions, combined with volatile oil prices, declining business and consumer confidence and increased unemployment have contributed to continued volatility of unprecedented levels.

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 and to developing companies, such as ours. 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. 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. Beginning in 2011, we provided price incentives to several customers that entered into significant supply contract for their initial purchase commitments to assist in commercial launch activities. In the future, we may offer these incentives on a selective basis as we continue to grow our customer base. The amount of these incentives in future periods will be a function of the growth of our customer base and the particular commercialization.

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, sales commissions, rent and research and development. Salaries include all cash and non-cash compensation and related costs for all principal selling, general and administrative functions. During recent periods we have made grants of equity awards, including shares of restricted stock and stock options, to attract directors and members of senior management, which have resulted in non-cash compensation expense for the periods reported. We expect that non-cash compensation expense attributed to equity-based awards may increase in future periods as the result of future equity-based incentive compensation awards granted to attract and retain talented employees as we continue to grow our business. In addition, we expect to experience increases in our research and development expenses as we continue to develop new products and formulations, as well as increases in marketing and promotional expenses as we seek to increase our customer base.

 

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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.

Revenue Recognition

We recognize revenue at the time of shipment of products, when the following fundamental criteria are met: (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; (ii) delivery has occurred; (iii) the price to the customer is fixed or determinable; and (iv) collection of the sales price is probable.

Certain of our product sales are made to distributors under agreements with generally the same terms of sale and credit as all other customer agreements. Revenue from product sales to our customers, including our customers who are distributors, is recognized upon shipment provided the above noted fundamental criteria of revenue recognition are met. The sale of products to our customers who are distributors is not contingent upon the distributor selling the product to the end-user, and our current agreements with distributors do not have any rights of return.

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.

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 quantitative and qualitative review of the receivables past due from customers on a monthly basis. Quantitative factors include customer’s past due balance, prior payment history, recent sales activity and days sales outstanding. Qualitative factors include macroeconomic environment, current product demand, estimated inventory levels and customer’s financial position. In certain cases, we may have access to repossess unsold products held at customer locations as recourse for payment defaults. The fair market value of these products are considered as potential recovery in estimating net losses from uncollectible accounts. We record an allowance against uncollectible items for each customer after all reasonable means of collection have been exhausted, and the potential for recovery is considered remote.

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.

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.

 

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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 three and seven years. Repairs and maintenance expenditures are charged to expense as incurred. Assets under construction are not depreciated until placed into service.

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.

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.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2012 COMPARED TO THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2011

Sales

Net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2012 were approximately $0.1 million, compared to $7.2 million in the same period in 2011. The decrease in sales was due to transitioning significant resources and efforts toward recovery of past due accounts receivables from customers and minimizing any additional exposure to our accounts receivable credit risk. Our current period sales were primarily prepaid shipments of sample materials and nominal shipments to established existing customers with low risk credit limits.

Cost of Sales

Cost of sales is comprised of both fixed and variable costs, including materials and supplies, labor, facilities and other overhead costs associated with our product revenues. Cost of sales for the three months ended March 31, 2012 were approximately $0.6 million, compared to $6.5 million for the same period in 2011. The decline in cost of sales is due to our lower variable manufacturing costs from our reduced sales volumes and reduction in manufacturing overhead through reduced supplies and headcount.

Gross Profit (Loss)

Gross profit (loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2011 was approximately ($0.5) million, compared to $0.7 million for the same period in 2011. Our decline in gross profit was attributable to our decline in sales as stated above.

Research and Development Expenses

Research and development expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2012 were $0.1 million, compared to approximately $0.2 million for the same period in 2011. Our decrease in research and development expenses was primarily attributable to lower outside services costs related to our current projects.

 

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Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2012 were $1.2 million, compared to $2.0 million for the same period in 2011. Our decrease in sales, general and administrative expenses was primarily due to reduced headcount and variable sales and marketing expenses due to lower sales volume in the current year.

Other Income and Expense, Net

Other income and expense, net for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was $0.5 million, as compared to $0.2 million in the same period in 2011. The increase was primarily related to additional interest expense related to the issuance of our convertible debentures in May 2011.

Net Loss

Net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was $2.4 million, as compared to $1.8 million in the same period in 2011. As discussed above, our results were unfavorably impacted by our decrease in net sales.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

We require working capital to fund our operations, including payments 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.

We had net unrestricted cash of $1.1 million at March 31, 2012 as compared to $3.9 million at December 31, 2011. The decrease in unrestricted cash is primarily due to cash used in operations.

Cash used in operating activities during the three months ended March 31, 2012 was $2.3 million, compared to $8.9 million during the same period in the 2011. The decrease in cash used in operations was primarily a result of an increase in working capital of $12.3 million in 2011, driven by an increase in accounts receivable and reduction in accounts payable.

Cash used in investing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2012 was $0.1 million compared to cash used in investing activities of approximately $0.1 million during the same period in 2011.

Cash used in financing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2011 was $0.5 million compared to $13.9 million provided by financing activities during the same period in 2011. The decrease is attributable to $13.9 million of debt and equity financing that occurred in the prior year only.

We have incurred a net loss of $2.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012, and $14.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, and have an accumulated deficit of $59.3 million as of March 31, 2012. Based on our operating plan, our existing working capital will not be sufficient to meet the cash requirements to fund our planned operating expenses, capital expenditures and working capital requirements through December 31, 2012 without additional sources of cash.

Our plan to address the shortfall of working capital is to generate additional financing through a combination of refinancing of existing credit facilities, incremental product sales and collection of outstanding receivables. We are confident that we will be able to deliver on our plans, however, there can be no assurances that we will be able to obtain any sources of financing on acceptable terms, or at all.

If we cannot obtain sufficient additional financing in the short-term, we may be forced to curtail or cease operations or file for bankruptcy. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts or amounts and classification of liabilities that might be necessary should we be forced to take such actions.

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.

 

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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 Commission’s rules and forms, and (ii) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act, during the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2012 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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.

 

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

There are no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in the Registrant’s Form 10-K filed on April 16, 2012.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

We issued the following unregistered securities during the three months ended March 31, 2012:

 

   

On March 16, 2012, we issued 84,478 shares of common stock valued at approximately $88,000 to various employees for services rendered.

 

   

On March 16, 2012, we issued 9,587 shares of common stock valued at approximately $10,000 pursuant to a settlement agreement

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.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

Not applicable.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

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***
101    XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language) The following materials from Cereplast Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2012, formatted in Extensive Business Reporting Language (XBRL), (i) consolidated balance sheets, (ii) consolidated statements of operations and other comprehensive loss, (iii) consolidated statement of cash flows, and (iv) the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

*** 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: May 15, 2012       CEREPLAST, INC.
    By:   /s/ Frederic Scheer
     

Frederic Scheer

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

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