ImmuCell Announces Increase In Product Sales And Other Annual Financial Results

PORTLAND, ME--(Marketwired - February 13, 2014) - ImmuCell Corporation (NASDAQ: ICCC) today announced the results of its operations for the three-month and twelve-month periods ended December 31, 2013.

During the three-month period ended December 31, 2013, product sales increased by 9.7%, or $138,000, to $1,559,000 in comparison to $1,421,000 during the same period in 2012. During the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2013, product sales increased by 11.5%, or $617,000, to $6,007,000 in comparison to $5,390,000 during the same period in 2012.

“We have now increased product sales during the last six consecutive quarters and for twelve of the last thirteen quarters. Sales of First Defense® and related product line extensions increased by 16.5% during the fourth quarter and 14.4% during the year ended December 31, 2013,” commented Michael F. Brigham, President and CEO.

The net operating (loss) was ($210,000) during the three-month period ended December 31, 2013, in contrast to a net operating income of $12,000 during the same period in 2012. The net (loss) was ($151,000), or ($0.05) per share, during the three-month period ended December 31, 2013, in comparison to a net (loss) of ($17,000), or ($0.01) per share, during the same period in 2012.

Net operating (loss) was ($20,000) during the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2013, in contrast to net operating income of $245,000 during the same period in 2012. Net income was $117,000, or $0.04 per share, during the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2013, in comparison to net income of $90,000, or $0.03 per share, during the same period in 2012.

Regarding the fourth quarter loss, Mr. Brigham added, “During the fourth quarter, we incurred approximately $110,000 in expenses as we initiated our planned investment in a Nisin production plant for Mast Out®. Further, we reduced production output during the last six months of 2013 in order to replace and repair certain pieces of critical process equipment, which resulted in an increase in cost of goods sold. We expect our gross margin percentage to be more in line with our historical norms during 2014.”

Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments increased by 7%, or $342,000, to $5,255,000 as of December 31, 2013, in comparison to $4,914,000 as of December 31, 2012. Stockholders’ equity increased by 2%, or $201,000, to $9,396,000 as of December 31, 2013, in comparison to $9,195,000 as of December 31, 2012. The Company had 3,026,000 shares of common stock outstanding as of December 31, 2013.

 (Unaudited) For the Three-Month For the Twelve-Month Periods Ended Periods Ended December 31, December 31, -------------------- -------------------- (In thousands, except per share amounts) 2013 2012 2013 2012 --------- --------- --------- --------- Product sales $ 1,559 $ 1,421 $ 6,007 $ 5,390 Costs of goods sold 951 671 2,947 2,336 --------- --------- --------- --------- Gross margin 608 750 3,060 3,054 Product development expenses 325 234 1,154 918 Selling and administrative expenses 493 503 1,926 1,891 --------- --------- --------- --------- Operating expenses 818 737 3,080 2,809 --------- --------- --------- --------- NET OPERATING (LOSS) INCOME (210) 13 (20) 245 Other (expenses) revenues, net (43) (24) 225 (53) --------- --------- --------- --------- (LOSS) INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES (253) (11) 205 192 Income tax (benefit) expense (102) 6 88 102 --------- --------- --------- --------- NET (LOSS) INCOME $ (151) $ (17) $ 117 $ 90 ========= ========= ========= ========= Weighted average common shares outstanding: Basic 3,021 3,019 3,019 3,018 Diluted 3,021 3,019 3,085 3,108 NET (LOSS) INCOME PER SHARE: Basic $ (0.05) $ (0.01) $ 0.04 $ 0.03 Diluted $ (0.05) $ (0.01) $ 0.04 $ 0.03 As of As of December 31, December 31, (In thousands) 2013 2012 ------------- ------------- Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments $ 5,255 $ 4,914 Total assets 10,961 11,030 Net working capital 6,632 6,697 Stockholders’ equity $ 9,396 $ 9,195 

About ImmuCell: ImmuCell Corporation’s (NASDAQ: ICCC) purpose is to create scientifically-proven and practical products that result in a measurable economic impact on animal health and productivity in the dairy and beef industries. Press releases and other information about the Company are available at our web-site, (http://www.immucell.com).