OurPet announces Q1 net earnings of US$134,427, compared to year-ago earnings of US$223,601; net revenue rises 3.5% to US$5.2M

Nevin Barich

FAIRPORT HARBOR, Ohio , April 24, 2014 (press release) – The OurPet's Company (OPCO), (www.ourpets.com), a leading proprietary pet supply company, today reported 2014 first quarter net revenue increased 3.5% to $5,214,471 from $5,040,645 for the same period last year. In addition to adverse weather conditions, higher than budgeted costs related to entry into the private label-value brand market and increased promotions contributed to a decline in income from operations for the 2014 first quarter versus the prior year. Net income was $134,427 for the 2014 first quarter compared to $223,601 a year ago. Earnings per diluted share were $0.01 for the first quarter of 2014 and 2013.

Dr. Steven Tsengas, Chairman and CEO, commented, "Our results for the 2014 first quarter were below expectations due to factors that had a temporary adverse impact on financial performance. We remain optimistic that our 2014 full-year results will achieve record net revenue and record earnings per share. The severe weather conditions we faced during the first three months of 2014 have recently subsided which has also benefited consumer spending, especially by customers at our largest accounts. We are accelerating plans to implement the company's dual brand growth strategy during the remainder of 2014."

Dr. Tsengas added, "We have made substantial investments in the roll-out of our dual brand strategy, which include increased business and product development plus higher selling and marketing expenses in order to penetrate key markets in the United States and overseas. Shipments of PetZone® branded products to Food, Mass and Drug customers are expected later this quarter. We further expanded our presence in this market with the addition of new customers in the recently completed quarter. Sales of feline waste and odor control products declined compared to the 2013 first quarter due to temporary timing issues related to the launch of the expanded line of SmartScoop® products. Branded products offered through E-Commerce continued to achieve solid year-over-year sales gains. Interest from current and prospective customers at last month's Global Pet Expo in new products and the company's dual brand strategy further strengthen the outlook for 2014."

2014 First Quarter Results

Net revenue increased 3.5% to $5,214,471 for the three months ended March 31, 2014, from $5,040,645 for the same period a year ago. Sales increases in the Food Drug & Mass and E-Commerce markets were partly offset by decreased sales of Pet Specialty products.

Gross profit increased 6.7% to $1,553,901 for the 2014 first quarter from $1,456,371 a year ago. This $97,530 increase in gross profit was primarily attributable to higher sales and lower fixed operating costs versus the 2013 first quarter. Bad weather, promotional sales and some higher than planned costs to enter the private label value market were the principal factors that adversely impacted gross profit for the 2014 first quarter compared to the same period last year. Gross profit margin increased to 29.8% for the 2014 first quarter from 28.9% for the same quarter a year ago.

Income from operations was $240,936 for the 2014 first quarter versus $304,202 for the 2013 first quarter. This decrease was due to higher selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses, which included costs related to the roll-out of the company's dual brand product strategy.

Income before taxes was $215,527 for the 2014 first quarter versus $304,740 the prior year.

Income tax expense of approximately $81,000 for the 2014 first quarter was similar to the same quarter last year. The company's book tax rate was 37.6% for the three months ended March 31, 2014, compared to 26.6% for the same period in 2013.

Net Income was $134,427 for the 2014 first quarter versus $233,601 for the same period last year. Earnings per share were $0.01 for the first quarter of 2014 and 2013.

EBITDA for the first three months of 2014 was $403,761 compared to $508,805 for the same period a year ago. Depreciation and amortization expense was $152,395 for the 2014 first quarter or $11,425 below the 2013 first quarter. A reconciliation of EBITDA to GAAP Net Income is provided in an attachment to the summary financial statements.

Investor Conference Call

The OurPet's Company has scheduled an investor conference call for Thursday, April 24, 2014, at 4:30 pm. Eastern Time (ET). Dr. Steve Tsengas, Chairman and CEO, and Scott Mendes, Chief Financial Officer, will discuss the company's growth strategy and financial results followed by a question and answer session. To participate in the conference call, individuals should dial (877) 485-3107. Phone lines will open at 4:20 p.m. ET. A digital replay of the investor conference call will be available following the call on the company's website: www.ourpets.com/investor/investors.html.

About OurPet's Company

The OurPet's Company designs, produces and markets a broad line of innovative, trend-setting pet products and accessories in the United States and overseas. The OurPet's Company has an extensive intellectual property portfolio of with over 225 patents, which are either issued or in pending status. The Company's websites include www.ourpets.com and www.petzonebrand.com. 

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