Thursday, May 28, 2015

RiceBran Technologies (RIBT) Using Underutilized Byproduct to Unlock Limitless Possibilities

Until recently, rice bran and germ remained an underutilized byproduct of the commercial rice-milling industry. In the early 1990s, however, a group of innovators developed new technology to process this byproduct into nutritional food that features nearly limitless possibilities as a healthy ingredient. RiceBran Technologies (NASDAQ: RIBT), through the dedication of its employees and strategic partners, is rapidly becoming one of the world’s leading suppliers of rice bran, effectively unlocking entry into a variety of vital and potentially lucrative markets around the globe.

RIBT currently operates an expansive network of production facilities around the United States and abroad. In Louisiana and California, the company operates three Stage One facilities, which process bran and germ as soon as it is removed from the kernel to deactivate the enzymes that cause rancidity in the product. In Montana, the company’s Stage Two facility processes, dries and packages the product for sale to food manufacturers and retail consumers. RIBT’s primary distribution facility is located in Texas. The company also operates a rice bran oil production facility in Brazil.

Unlike other forms of bran, the company’s rice bran and related byproducts are particularly marketable because they are nutrient rich, contain no major allergens and are free from cholesterol, gluten, lactose and trans fat. This versatility has allowed RIBT to establish a presence in multiple food industries as an ingredient, a meat emulsifier, a cooking oil and, even, a high-end feed for equine athletes and pets.

In the first quarter of 2015, RIBT turned its attention towards improving returns for investors and shareholders. In addition to a slight increase in gross margins from the previous year at its domestic production facilities, the company realized a 70.8 percent rise in segment revenue in Brazil as a result of increased production. Likewise, consolidated revenue saw a 25.7 percent spike from the previous year, giving potential investors strong incentive to consider this growing company.

“[W]e enter 2015 focused on improving financial performance,” stated W. John Short, Chief Executive Officer and President of RIBT. “As we move through 2015, we intend to work diligently to maximize both our top and bottom line financial performance to reach our goal of positive EBITDA (Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization) in 2015.”

RIBT has established its position as a unique provider of healthy whole food nutrition products in recent years, and it appears to be on the cusp of substantial growth opportunities moving forward. With significant improvement projects at the company’s production facilities largely completed, RIBT’s renewed focus on financial performance should open the door for improved shareholder returns in the coming years.

For more information, visit www.ricebrantech.com


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