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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MissionIR is committed to connecting the investment community with companies that have great potential and a strong dedication to building shareholder value. We know our reputation is based on the integrity of our clients and go to great lengths to ensure the companies represented adhere to sound business practices.
Sign up for “The Mission Report” at www.MissionIR.com
Please see disclaimer on the MissionIR website http://www.missionir.com/disclaimer.html
