NutraCea Poised For Growth

NutraCea (NTRZ.OB) is a company that uses patented technology to produce stabilized rice bran- a process which no other company or competitor has been able to replicate. Stabilized rice bran is a high demand product of which, between 50-60 million tons is spoiled every year. NutraCea processes the inedible outer bran husk, which before was considered too perishable and unable to be processed for human consumption, into edible rice bran, that is both highly nutritious and affordable.

Although NutraCea has not been able to produce enough stabilized rice bran to fill the demand from continuing supply agreements with governments, nonprofits, food companies, etc., knowing its production capacity gives stable growth visibility. Pricing for its limited production could be a worry, however since it is the only company who is able to produce this product, its monopoly in the area has not showed any negative pricing surprises.

Revenues have gone from $5 million in 2005 to $18 million in 2006. Its 2007 revenues should be in excess of $50 million, and based on presently announced capacity, the revenue run rate will be in excess of $100 million in 2008. With its earnings per share [EPS] going from $0.02 in 2006 to $0.10 to $0.15 in 2007 to $0.40+ in 2008, a $0.40 EPS in 2008, and a 50 multiple would be $20 per share.

While 1Q numbers were short of expectations, which ran the stock up to the $5 level, it really didn't miss anything as it saw $2.6m of deferred revenue from product orders that haven't been accounted for, and will be recognized in the second quarter. Management has been expanding the business beyond the humanitarian potential, and into the mainstream food industry, by expanding facilities into Louisiana and Montana which would boost capacity from 1,800 tons per year to 2,700 tons per year. Q2 results in August are already looking to be huge with the $2.6 million carryover from 1Q, the Louisiana and Montana expansions.

In the near future, I wouldn't be surprised to see NTRZ get moved from the Bulletin Board onto the Nasdaq, once it trades over $5. What's to stop other companies to come into this space? It would take at least several years for a competitor to develop the same technology that would give the bran a legitimate shelf life that could grant FDA approval. Also, the demand is so high, that it wouldn't really matter for NutraCea.

Lastly, rumors are circulating of a $200 million credit facility that would be used to fund expansion with a large international strategic partner, but of course nothing has been announced as of yet.

Disclosure: Author has no position in NTRZ

Comments

[bullrider567]

Here is the biography of the CEO running NTRZ:
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"Bradley D. Edson:

In 1991, Mr. Edson co-founded with Mr. Gerst Camper Clubs of America, Inc., a recreational vehicle membership and retail camping club, and was its Chief Executive Officer through February 1999."

"Camper Clubs of America offers $5 RV full hookups in over 250 affiliate parks nationwide, as well as RV insurance, caravans, rallies, and nationwide voice mail"
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In 2000 Mr. Edson started a RV enthusiast web site venture called Journeylink.com. In April 2001 it shut down.
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He became CEO of a company called Vital Living (VTLV) in
May 2001. His tenure at Vital Living ended less than 3 years later in January 2004. Vital Living's stock was under $1.00 in January 2004 and is now under 1 penny.
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Mr. Edson has been an executive of NTRZ since December 2004.

[sestrip]

Is that you GNUS?????????Boy ho boy,you hate this poor guy (BE),don't you

[sestrip]

Z will go to $10.00-15.00 this yr,so don't worry about ED,thanks.