Gushan Environmental Energy Limited Announces First Quarter 2009 Financial Results

Gushan   June 15, 2009

  NEW YORK, May 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Gushan Environmental Energy
  Limited ("Gushan" or the "Company"; NYSE: GU), a leading producer of biodiesel
  in China, today announced its unaudited consolidated financial results for the
  first quarter ended March 31, 2009.
  Highlights for First Quarter 2009
  -- Total revenues decreased by 18.1% year-to-year and 13.5%
  quarter-on-quarter to RMB272.7 million (US$39.9 million).
  -- Gross profit decreased by 80.1% year-to-year and 57.8%
  quarter-on-quarter to RMB27.7 million (US$4.1 million).
  -- Income from operations decreased by 98.6% year-to-year and 94.7%
  quarter-on-quarter to RMB1.7 million (US$0.2 million).
  -- Net loss amounted to RMB2.3 million (US$0.3 million), compared to net
  income of RMB111.2 million for the first quarter of 2008 and net loss
  of RMB37.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2008.
  -- Net income excluding share-based compensation (non-GAAP) amounted toRMB8.0 million (US$1.2 million), compared to a net income of RMB115.7
  million for the first quarter of 2008 and a net loss of RMB27.0
  million for the fourth quarter of 2008. (Note 1)
  -- Sales volume of biodiesel increased by 22.3% year-to-year and 12.9%
  quarter-on-quarter to 63,290 tons.
  -- Average selling price of biodiesel decreased by 27.4% year-to-year and
  21.4% quarter-on-quarter to RMB4,003 (US$585.8) per ton.
  -- Annual biodiesel production capacity increased by 100,000 tons (or
  approximately 30 million gallons) year-to-year and 50,000 tons (orapproximately 15 million gallons) quarter-to-quarter to 340,000 tons.
  -- Cash balance amounted to RMB837.4 million (US$122.6 million) with no
  bank borrowings as of March 31, 2009.
  (in US$ thousands,
  except per share data) Three Months Ended
  March 31, December 31, March 31,
  2008 2008 2009
  (Note 2) (Note 2) (Note 2)
  Revenues 48,713 46,120 39,916
  Gross profit 20,355 9,629 4,060
  Income from operations 17,924 4,676 248
  Net income (loss) 16,270 (5,517) (339)
  Net income (loss) per
  Ordinary share - Diluted 0.097 (0.033) (0.002)
  Net income loss) per
  ADS - Diluted 0.194 (0.066) (0.004)
  Non-GAAP net income (loss)
  per ADS - Diluted (Note 1) 0.202 (0.047) 0.014
  Gross profit margin (Note 3) 41.8% 20.9% 10.2%
  Operating Profit margin (Note 3) 36.8% 10.1% 0.6%
  Net income (loss) margin
  (Note 3) 33.4% (12.0%) (0.9%)
  Non-GAAP net Income (loss)
  margin (Note 1) 34.8% (8.6%) 2.9%
  Sales volume
  of biodiesel tons 51,761 56,063 63,290
  Average selling
  price of
  biodiesel RMB/ton 5,512 5,092 4,003
  Sales volume
  of biodiesel
  by-products tons 6,074 6,025 5,888
  Average selling
  price of
  biodiesel
  by-products RMB/ton 7,824 4,921 3,289
  Note 1: GAAP represents Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP" or "GAAP") in this announcement. All non-GAAP measures exclude share-based compensation expenses. For further details on non-GAAP measures, please refer to the reconciliation table and a detailed discussion of management's use of non-GAAP information set forth elsewhere in this press release.
  Note 2: Translation from RMB into US$ at RMB6.8329 to US$1.00, see "Currency Convenience Translation" below.
  Note 3: Gross profit margin, operating profit margin and net income margin
  represent gross profit, operating profit and net income, respectively, divided
  by revenues.
  "The impact of the global economic slowdown, falling world oil prices and
  contraction in China's industrial production made for a very challenging
  environment during the first quarter and this was reflected in Gushan's
  results," said Jianqiu Yu, Chairman and Principal Executive Officer of Gushan.
  "While the global economic outlook remains uncertain, there are some signs
  that industrial activity in China is recovering and we believe that Gushan's
  position as one of China's leading biodiesel producers, strong financial
  position and strong customer and supplier relationships leave it
  well-positioned to benefit from any economic improvement."
  Financial Results for the First Quarter 2009
  Revenues
  The Company's revenues amounted to RMB272.7 million (US$39.9 million) for
  the first quarter of 2009, representing a decrease of 18.1% from RMB332.9
  million for the first quarter of 2008 and a decrease of 13.5% from RMB315.1
  million for the fourth quarter of 2008. The decreases in revenues on both a
  year-to-year basis and a sequential quarterly basis were mainly due to a
  decrease in average selling prices of both biodiesel and biodiesel by-products
  and a slight decrease in sales volume of the Company's biodiesel by-products.
  The sales volume of biodiesel amounted to 63,290 tons for the first quarter of 2009, representing an increase of 22.3% from 51,761 tons for the first quarter of 2008 and an increase of 12.9% from 56,063 tons for the fourth quarter of 2008.
  The average selling price of biodiesel was RMB4,003 (US$585.8) per ton for
  the first quarter of 2009, representing a decrease of 27.4% from RMB5,512 per
  ton for the first quarter of 2008 and a decrease of 21.4% from RMB5,092 per
  ton for the fourth quarter of 2008.
  The sales volume of biodiesel by-products amounted to 5,888 tons for the
  first quarter of 2009, representing a decrease of 3.1% from 6,074 tons for the
  first quarter of 2008, and a decrease of 2.3% from 6,025 tons for the fourth
  quarter of 2008.
  The average selling price of biodiesel by-products was RMB3,289 (US$481.3)
  per ton for the first quarter of 2009, representing a decrease of 58.0% from
  RMB7,824 per ton for the first quarter of 2008 and a decrease of 33.2% from
  RMB4,921 per ton for the fourth quarter of 2008.
  The year-to-year increase in the sales volume of biodiesel was mainly due
  to the commencement of production at the Company's Shanghai plant in June 2008
  which added an additional 50,000 tons to the Company's annual biodiesel
  production capacity. The sequential quarterly increase in sales volume was
  principally attributed to the fact that Fujian Gushan Biodiesel Energy Co.,
  Ltd. ("Fujian Gushan"), Sichuan Gushan Vegetable Fat Chemistry Co., Ltd.
  ("Sichuan Gushan") and Handan Gushan Bio-Sources Energy Co., Ltd. ("Handan
  Gushan") each had resumed production after having suspended production for a
  few weeks in November and December 2008 due to repairs and maintenance.
  The year-to-year and sequential quarterly decrease in the average selling
  price of biodiesel was principally attributed to a decline in the market price
  of diesel in China which commenced in the fourth quarter of 2008 and continued
  throughout the first quarter of 2009 resulting from a significant decrease in
  global oil prices and to the rapid contraction of China's industrial
  production amid the global financial crisis.
  The overall decreases in sales volume of biodiesel by-products on both a
  year-to-year basis and a sequentially quarterly basis were mainly due to
  decreased sales volumes of erucic acid and erucic amide produced by Sichuan
  Gushan resulting from the lower amount of rapeseed content in the feedstock
  used at the Sichuan plant. The decreases were partly offset by the increased
  sales volumes of glycerine and plant asphalt contributed by Beijing Gushan
  Bio-sources Energy Co., Ltd. ("Beijing Gushan") and Shanghai Gushan Bio-Energy
  Technologies Co. Ltd. ("Shanghai Gushan"), as both companies commenced
  operations in 2008.
  The average selling prices of all biodiesel by-products decreased
  individually on both a year-to-year basis and a sequential quarterly basis as
  a result of a rapid decline in market prices of raw materials in the chemical
  industry caused by China's slowing economy.
  Cost of Revenues
  Cost of revenues for the first quarter of 2009 totaled RMB245.0 million
  (US$35.9 million), representing an increase of 26.4% from RMB193.8 million for
  the first quarter of 2008 and a decrease of 1.7% from RMB249.3 million for the
  fourth quarter of 2008. This increase on year-to-year basis was principally
  attributable to increases in the Company's production volume and in overall
  average unit costs for vegetable oil offal and used cooking oil. The decrease
  of cost of revenues on a sequential quarterly basis was principally due to the
  decrease in the overall average unit cost of feedstock.
  Overall average unit cost of feedstock, which mainly comprised used
  cooking oil and vegetable oil offal, amounted to RMB2,430 (US$355.6) per ton
  in the first quarter of 2009, representing an increase of 6.2% from RMB2,288
  per ton in the first quarter of 2008 and a decrease of 10.1% from RMB2,704 in
  the fourth quarter of 2008. The year-to-year increase in costs of feedstock
  was caused by the increase in the Company's suppliers' costs which are
  primarily affected by general cost inflation, particularly in labor and
  transportation, in China, as well as a general increase in prices charged by
  its suppliers. The decrease in costs of feedstock on a sequential quarterly
  basis resulted from the Company's efforts in negotiating for price reductions
  with its suppliers.
  Gross Profit
  The Company's gross profit for the first quarter of 2009 totaled RMB27.7
  million (US$4.1 million), representing a decrease of 80.1% from RMB139.1
  million for the first quarter of 2008 and a decrease of 57.8% from RMB65.8
  million for the fourth quarter of 2008. The Company's gross profit margin
  decreased to 10.2% for the first quarter of 2009 from 41.8% for the first
  quarter of 2008 and 20.9% for the fourth quarter of 2008. On a year-to-year
  basis, the average unit costs of the Company's raw materials increased by 6.2%
  while the average selling prices of its biodiesel and biodiesel by-products
  decreased by 27.4% and 58.0%, respectively. On a sequential quarterly basis,
  although the average unit costs of the Company's raw materials decreased by
  10.1%, the average selling prices of its biodiesel and biodiesel by-products
  decreased at a higher rate of 21.4% and 33.2%, respectively. Both trends
  accounted for the decrease in the Company's gross margin.
  Research and Development Expenses
  Research and development expenses totaled RMB0.4 million (US$0.1 million)
  in the first quarter of 2009, representing a slight decrease compared to
  RMB0.5 million for the first quarter of 2008 and RMB1.0 million for the fourth
  quarter of 2008.
  Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
  Selling, general and administrative expenses for the first quarter of 2009 totaled RMB25.6 million (US$3.7 million), representing an increase from RMB16.2 million for the first quarter of 2008 and a decrease from RMB32.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2008.
  The overall increase on a year-to-year basis was mainly due to increases
  in share-based compensation and professional fees. Share-based compensation
  for the first quarter of 2009 amounted to RMB10.3 million (US$1.5 million),
  representing an increase from RMB4.5 million for the first quarter of 2008, as
  a result of the share options granted in March 2008, September 2008 and
  January 2009. Professional fees totaled RMB4.9 million (US$0.7 million),
  representing an increase from RMB1.7 million in the first quarter of 2008, as
  a result of additional legal, auditing and other professional services
  required in connection with the Company's expanded operations in China during
  2008 and compliance with U.S. regulatory requirements.
  The overall decrease on a sequential quarterly basis was mainly due to the
  decrease in staff costs which amounted to RMB4.6 million (US$0.7 million) for
  the first quarter of 2009, compared to RMB12.2 million for the fourth quarter
  of 2008. Staff costs in the fourth quarter of 2008 were higher than staff
  costs in the first quarter of 2009 primarily resulting from the issuance of a
  year-end bonus of RMB7.4 million (US$1.1 million) to all levels of employees
  in the fourth quarter of 2009.
  Other Income (Expense)
  Interest income for the first quarter of 2009 amounted to RMB1.0 million
  (US$0.2 million), representing a decrease from RMB11.0 million for the first
  quarter of 2008 and a decrease from RMB4.7 million from the fourth quarter of
  2008. The decreases on both a year-to-year basis and a sequential quarterly
  basis were mainly due to decrease in interest rates for cash deposited in
  commercial banks.
  The Company incurred a foreign currency exchange gain of RMB58,000
  (US$8,000) for the first quarter of 2009, compared to a foreign currency
  exchange loss of RMB3.3 million for the first quarter of 2008 and a foreign
  currency exchange loss of RMB56.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2008. The
  foreign currency exchange loss incurred in 2008 primarily resulted from the
  depreciation of the Company's foreign currency holdings in NZ$ and Euro
  against US$ in 2008. In October 2008, the Company converted all of its cash
  deposits in NZ$ and Euro to US$. The Company does not currently hold cash
  balances in currencies other than in RMB, HK$ and US$ and does not expect to
  do so in the foreseeable future.
  Income Tax Expense
  Income tax expense principally comprised Enterprise Income Tax ("EIT") and a provision for dividend withholding tax during the current and comparative periods.
  EIT for the first quarter of 2009 amounted to RMB4.1 million (US$0.6
  million), representing a decrease from RMB14.1 million for the first quarter
  of 2008 and a decrease from RMB11.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2008.
  The decrease in EIT on both a year-to-year and a sequential quarterly basis
  was mainly due to the decreases in earnings before income tax contributed by
  Fujian Gushan, Sichuan Gushan and Handan Gushan. Beijing Gushan and Shanghai
  Gushan are exempted from EIT for the year ended December 31, 2008 and the year
  ending December 31, 2009.
  In addition, the new enterprise income tax law ("New EIT Law") which came
  into effect from January 1, 2008 also imposes a 10% withholding tax for
  dividends distributed by a foreign-invested enterprise to its immediate
  holding company outside the PRC beginning on January 1, 2008. Since the
  Company's PRC subsidiaries are invested by immediate foreign holding
  companies, the Group is subject to withholding tax for earnings accumulated
  beginning on January 1, 2008. Under the Arrangement between the Mainland of
  China and Hong Kong Special Administration Region for the Avoidance of Double
  Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion, Hong Kong tax residents which
  hold 25% or more of the equity interest in a PRC enterprise are entitled to a
  reduced withholding rate of 5%. All of the Group's foreign-invested
  enterprises are directly held by Hong Kong tax residents. Accordingly, a rate
  of 5% is applicable to the calculation of withholding tax for these companies.
  The Company has made provisions of RMB1.0 million (US$0.1 million) for the
  first quarter of 2009, RMB3.0 million for the fourth quarter of 2008 and
  RMB5.4 million for the first quarter of 2008 in respect of withholding tax
  which included, among others, mainly the dividend withholding tax. The
  decreases in withholding tax on both a year-to-year and a sequential quarterly
  basis were mainly due to the decreases in net income after income tax
  contributed by Fujian Gushan, Sichuan Gushan, Handan Gushan, Beijing Gushan
  and Shanghai Gushan.
  Net Income (Loss)
  The Company's net loss amounted to RMB2.3 million (US$0.3 million) for the
  first quarter of 2009, compared to a net income of RMB111.2 million for the
  first quarter of 2008 and a net loss of RMB37.7 million for the fourth quarter
  of 2008.
  Net income excluding share-based compensation expenses (non-GAAP) amounted
  to RMB8.0 million (US$1.2 million) for the first quarter of 2009, compared to
  a net income of RMB115.7 million for the first quarter of 2008 and a net loss
  of RMB27.0 million for the fourth quarter of 2008.
  Financial Condition
  As of March 31, 2009, the Company had working capital of RMB708.5 million
  (US$103.7 million), reflecting total current assets of RMB935.1 million
  (US$136.9 million) and total current liabilities of RMB226.6 million (US$33.2
  million). Of the total current assets, the Company had RMB837.4 million
  (US$122.6 million) in cash, represented by RMB356.3 million, HK$55.2 million
  and US$1.4 million deposited in licensed commercial banks in the PRC and
  HK$4.3 million and US$61.3 million deposited in licensed commercial banks in
  Hong Kong. Up to the date of this announcement, the Company does not have any
  positions or commitments in respect of structured financial products.
  On March 5, 2009, the Company declared a cash dividend of RMB0.160
  (US$0.023) per ordinary share of the Company, or RMB0.320 (US$0.047) per ADS
  in respect of the year ended December 31, 2008. The cash dividend will be paid
  in US$ on or before May 30, 2009, resulting in an expected cash outflow of
  RMB26.7 million (US$3.9 million).
  Recent Events
  In March 2009, the Beijing plant's additional production facilities commenced production, adding 50,000 tons to the Company's annual biodiesel production capacity. As a result, these additional facilities doubled the total biodiesel production capacity of the Beijing plant from 50,000 tons to 100,000 tons.
  Since April 2009, the Fuzhou municipal government has been performing road
  maintenance near the Fujian plant which is expected to last until July 31,
  2009. Such road maintenance has resulted in restricted access to the Fujian
  plant by the Company's suppliers and customers. As a result, the Company has
  suspended operations at the Fujian plant since April 19, 2009 and expects the
  suspension to last for a few more weeks during the course of such road
  maintenance.
  In May, 2009, Shanghai Gushan has obtained a Comprehensive Utilization of
  Resources Verification Certificate ("Certificate") and is currently in the
  process of applying for a Value-added Tax ("VAT") refund and reduction in
  taxable income. An enterprise must obtain this Certificate before it may apply
  for (i) a VAT refund pursuant to the Policies for Products Generated from
  Comprehensive Utilization of Resources (Cai Shui [2008] No. 156), a circular
  on VAT jointly issued by the PRC State Administration of Taxation ("PRC SAT")
  and Ministry of Finance on December 9, 2008, which stipulated that a VAT
  refund upon levy would be applicable to enterprises that produce biodiesel by
  making use of wasted animal oil or plant oil to the extent of not less than
  70% as their raw materials, and (ii) a 10% reduction in taxable income
  pursuant to article 33 of the New EIT Law issued on March 16, 2007 and article
  99 of the Implementation Rules on Enterprise Income Tax Law issued on December
  6, 2007 and the relevant circulars on Comprehensive Utilization of Resources
  EIT Incentive (Cai Shui [2008] No. 47 and Cai Shui [2008] No. 117), which
  stipulated that enterprises that make use of wasted biomass oil or wasted
  lubricant as 100% of their raw materials can be entitled to a 10% reduction in
  taxable income. As of the date of this results announcement, each of Beijing
  Gushan, Fujian Gushan, Sichuan Gushan and Handan Gushan has applied for, but
  not yet obtained, this Certificate.
  The PRC government introduced three new regulations in relation to
  consumption tax rates to be levied on diesel products which took effect on
  January 1, 2009. Measures introduced under these new regulations include,
  among others, increases in consumption tax on various refined oil products,
  including diesel. Pursuant to these regulations, consumption tax on diesel
  products levied on diesel producers would increase from RMB0.10 per liter to
  RMB0.80 per liter. Prior to January 1, 2009, biodiesel products, which are
  produced from animal and vegetable fats and oils, were specifically exempted
  from consumption tax. The new regulations redefined diesel products that are
  subject to consumption tax. Under the new regulations, biodiesel that is
  processed from diesel or predominately mixed with diesel would be subject to
  consumption tax. The Company has expressed its view to the State
  Administration of Taxation of Fujian Province ("Fujian SAT") that its
  biodiesel products, which are produced from used cooking oil, vegetable oil
  offal and jatropha oil, should not be subject to such consumption tax. The
  Company has been informed that the Fujian SAT and Fujian Municipal Finance
  Bureau have jointly issued a written proposal to the PRC SAT, requesting for a
  specific exclusion of biodiesel products, that do not contain diesel content,
  from paying consumption tax. However, the PRC SAT has not replied to this
  proposal as of the date of this results announcement. The Company did not pay
  consumption tax for its sales of biodiesel products during the first quarter
  of 2009. Due to ambiguity surrounding the application of the consumption tax,
  there can be no assurance that the Company's biodiesel products are not
  subject to consumption tax under the new regulations. Based on the Company's
  internal estimates, the Company sold approximately 64.6 million liters of
  biodiesel as a refined oil product during the three months ended March 31,
  2009. If the PRC SAT later determines that the Company's biodiesel products
  are subject to such consumption tax and the Company is taxed for its sales of
  biodiesel products as from January 1, 2009, the Company would be required to
  pay significant amounts of consumption tax and its business, results of
  operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected.
  Business Outlook for Fiscal Year 2009
  Gushan currently operates five production facilities, located in Sichuan,
  Handan, Fujian, Beijing and Shanghai in China, with an annual total biodiesel
  capacity of 340,000 tons, or approximately 102 million gallons. The Company's
  new plants in Chongqing and Hunan (each with annual total biodiesel capacity
  of 30,000 tons, or approximately 9 million gallons) are targeted to begin
  production in the second quarter of 2009. The Company also targets to increase
  its total biodiesel production capacity by 50,000 tons, or approximately 15
  million gallons, by increasing the Shanghai plant's production capacity, which
  is targeted to take place in the third quarter of 2009. As a result, the
  Company targets to achieve a total annual biodiesel production capacity of
  450,000 tons, or approximately 135 million gallons, by the end of 2009. Gushan
  is also constructing a new plant near the existing Sichuan production
  facility. The new plant will be dedicated to use inedible oil such as jatropha
  oil as its raw materials and is targeted to commence production in the first
  half of 2010 with an annual biodiesel production capacity of 50,000 tons.
  The Company has continued to closely monitor the factors affecting its
  gross margins. Due to the significant drop in world oil prices commencing in
  the fourth quarter of 2008 and the slowdown of the Chinese economy as a result
  of the global financial crisis, both factors of which the Company believes
  have adversely affected the market prices for diesel in China, the average
  selling prices for the Company's biodiesel continued to decrease through the
  fourth quarter 2008 and the first quarter of 2009. Although the Company was
  able to reduce its raw material prices through negotiations with its
  suppliers, the rate of the decrease in the Company's selling prices for
  biodiesel during these periods have outpaced the rate of the reduction in raw
  material costs. As a result, the Company's gross margins continued to decline
  during the first quarter of 2009. However, towards the end of the first
  quarter of 2009, diesel prices in China which affect the selling prices of the
  Company's biodiesel, appears to be stabilizing. The Company expects that the
  recovery of diesel prices will follow any recovery of world oil prices and the
  Chinese economy. Meanwhile, the Company will continue to seek further price
  reductions with raw material suppliers in order to improve gross margins and
  profitability. Overall, the Company expects 2009 to be a challenging year for
  its business operations. Given the uncertain macro environment as a result of
  the global financial crisis, Gushan will continue to closely monitor its
  market situation and will make changes to its expansion plans if necessary.Interim Financial Statements
  The unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations, balance
  sheets and cash flow statements accompanying this press release have been
  prepared by management using U.S. GAAP. These interim financial statements are
  not intended to fully comply with U.S. GAAP because they do not present all of
  the disclosures required by U.S. GAAP. The December 31, 2008 balance sheet was
  derived from audited consolidated financial statements of the Company.
  Currency Convenience Translation
  The conversion of Renminbi into U.S. dollars in this earnings release,
  made solely for the purpose of reader's convenience, is based on the H.10
  statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board as of March 31, 2009, which
  was RMB6.8329 to US$1.00. No representation is intended to imply that the
  Renminbi amounts could have been, or could be, converted, realized or settled
  into U.S. dollars at such rate, or at any other rate. The percentages stated
  in this earnings release are calculated based on Renminbi.
  Conference Call
  Gushan's management will hold its first quarter 2009 earnings conference call at 8:30 am U.S. Eastern Time (8:30 pm Beijing / Hong Kong Time) on May 15, 2009.
  Dial-in details for the earnings conference call are as follows:
  US Toll Free: 1.800.901.5218
  US Toll for International Callers: 1.617.786.4511
  Hong Kong Toll: 852.3002.1672
  Hong Kong Toll Free: 800.96.3844
  China Toll Free: 10.800.130.0399
  UK Toll Free: 00.800.280.0200.2
  UK Toll for International Callers: 44.207.365.8426
  Passcode for all regions: 57757506
  A replay of the call will be available on the same day at 11:00 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time (or 11:00 p.m. Hong Kong Time) until May 22, 2009 and may be accessed by phone at the following numbers.
  US Toll Free: 1.888.286.8010
  US Toll for International Callers: 1.617.801.6888
  Passcode for all regions: 89043568
  In addition, a live and archived webcast of this conference call will be available on the Investor Relations section of Gushan's website at www.chinagushan.com.
  About Gushan Environmental Energy Limited
  Gushan is the largest biodiesel producer in China, as measured by annual
  production capacity and one of the largest biodiesel producers in Asia, as
  measured by nominal capacity, according to a report by Frost & Sullivan, a
  market research and consulting firm, dated May 23, 2008. The company produces
  biodiesel, a renewable, clean-burning and biodegradable fuel, primarily from
  vegetable oil offal and used cooking oil, and by-products from biodiesel
  production, including glycerine, plant asphalt, erucic acid and erucic amide.
  Gushan sells biodiesel directly to users, such as marine vessel operators, as
  well as to petroleum wholesalers and individual retail gas stations. The
  company currently operates five production facilities in the Sichuan, Hebei,
  Fujian provinces and Beijing and Shanghai with a combined annual production
  capacity of 340,000 tons.
  Safe Harbor Statement
  This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning
  of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act
  of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as
  "will," "may," "expect," "anticipate," "aim," "target," "intend," "plan,"
  "believe," "estimate," "potential," "continue," and other similar statements.
  Statements other than statements of historical facts in this announcement are
  forward-looking statements, including but not limited to, the Company's
  expectations regarding the expansion of its production capacities, its future
  business development, and its beliefs regarding its production output. These
  forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties
  and are based on current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections
  about the Company and the industry. Important risks and uncertainties that
  could cause the Company's actual results to be materially different from
  expectations include but are not limited to the effect of any applicable
  government policy, law or regulation, of natural disasters, and of
  intensifying competition in the biodiesel and alternative energy industries,
  the availability of suitable raw materials to the Company, and the risks set
  forth in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange
  Commission, including on Form 20-F, as amended. The Company undertakes no
  obligation to update forward-looking statements, except as may be required by
  law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these
  forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that its
  expectations will turn out to be correct, and investors are cautioned that
  actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results.
  About Non-GAAP Financial Measures
  To supplement Gushan's consolidated financial results presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP, Gushan uses the following measures defined as non-GAAP financial measures by the SEC: net income excluding share-based compensation, basic and diluted net income per ADS excluding share-based compensation. The presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP. For more information on these non-GAAP financial measures, please see the table captioned "Reconciliations of GAAP measures to non-GAAP measures" set forth at the end of this release.
  Gushan believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide meaningful
  supplemental information regarding its performance and liquidity by excluding
  share-based compensation that may not be indicative of its operating
  performance from a cash perspective. Gushan believes that both management and
  investors benefit from these non-GAAP financial measures in assessing its
  performance and when planning and forecasting future periods. Gushan computes
  its non-GAAP financial measures using the same consistent method from quarter
  to quarter. Gushan believes these non-GAAP financial measures are useful to
  investors in allowing for greater transparency with respect to supplemental
  information used by management in its financial and operational decision
  making. A limitation of using non-GAAP net income excluding share-based
  compensation, and basic and diluted earnings per share and per ADS excluding
  share-based compensation is that these non-GAAP measures exclude share-based
  compensation that has been and will continue to be for the foreseeable future
  a significant recurring expense in its business. Management compensates for
  these limitations by providing specific information regarding the GAAP amounts
  excluded from each non-GAAP measure. The accompanying tables have more details
  on the reconciliations between GAAP financial measures to non-GAAP financial
  measures.
  For further information, please contact:
  US Asia
  Elizabeth Cheek Hoi Ni Kong
  Hill & Knowlton (New York) Hill & Knowlton (Hong Kong)
  Tel: (1) 212 885 0682 Tel: (852) 2894 6322
  Email: Email:hoini.kong@hillandknowlton.com.hk elizabeth.cheek@hillandknowlton.com
  - FINANCIAL TABLES TO FOLLOW -
  GUSHAN ENVIRONMENTAL ENERGY LIMITED
  UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
  (Amounts expressed in thousands,
  except per share data and number of shares)
  Three Months Ended
  ------------------
  March 31, December 31,
  2008 2008 March 31, 2009
  --------- ------------ --------------
  RMB RMB RMB US$
  Revenues 332,854 315,136 272,741 39,916
  Cost of revenues (193,770) (249,340) (245,001) (35,856)
  -------- -------- -------- -------
  Gross profit 139,084 65,796 27,740 4,060
  ------- ------ ------ -----
  Operating expenses
  Research and
  development (454) (1,043) (442) (65)
  Selling, general
  and administrative (16,154) (32,801) (25,607) (3,747)
  ------- ------- ------- ------
  Total operating
  expenses (16,608) (33,844) (26,049) (3,812)
  ------- ------- ------- ------
  Income from
  operations 122,476 31,952 1,691 248
  ------- ------ ----- ---
  Other income
  (expense):
  Interest income 10,952 4,710 1,034 151
  Foreign currency
  Exchange gains
  (losses), net (3,300) (56,275) 58 8
  Other income
  (expense), net 500 (3,692) (17) (2)
  --- ------ --- --
  Earnings (loss)
  Before income tax 130,628 (23,305) 2,766 405
  Income tax
  expense (19,458) (14,391) (5,083) (744)
  ------- ------- ------ ----
  Net income (loss) 111,170 (37,696) (2,317) (339)
  ======= ======= ====== ====
  Net income
  (loss) per
  Ordinary share
  - Basic 0.666 (0.226) (0.014) (0.002)
  - Diluted 0.664 (0.226) (0.014) (0.002)
  Net income (loss)
  per ADS
  - Basic 1.332 (0.452) (0.028) (0.004)
  - Diluted 1.328 (0.452) (0.028) (0.004)
  Weighted average
  ordinary shares
  outstanding
  - Basic 166,831,943 166,831,943 166,831,943 166,831,943
  - Diluted 167,440,885 166,831,943 166,831,943 166,831,943
  Weighted average
  ADS
  outstanding
  - Basic 83,415,972 83,415,972 83,415,972 83,415,972
  - Diluted 83,720,443 83,415,972 83,415,972 83,415,972
  Share-based
  compensation
  expense
  included in:-
  Cost of revenues 62 610 718 105
  Research and
  development
  expenses 3 44 168 25
  Selling, general
  and
  administrative
  expenses 4,482 10,075 9,384 1,373
  GUSHAN ENVIRONMENTAL ENERGY LIMITED
  UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
  (Amounts expressed in thousands)
  December 31,
  2008 December 31, 2008
  ------------ -----------------
  RMB RMB US$
  ASSETS
  Current assets:
  Cash 963,228 837,391 122,553
  Accounts receivable 12,926 9,394 1,375
  Inventories 59,246 53,529 7,834
  Prepaid expenses and other
  current assets 10,227 13,632 1,995
  Income tax receivable 13,501 19,737 2,888
  Deferred tax assets 1,206 1,449 212
  ----- ----- ---
  Total current assets 1,060,334 935,132 136,857
  --------- ------- -------
  Property, plant and equipment, net 1,451,533 1,600,694 234,263
  Land use rights 84,101 83,996 12,293
  Deferred tax assets 4,568 4,156 608
  Other assets 3,500 3,354 491
  ----- ----- ---
  Total assets 2,604,036 2,627,332 384,512
  ========= ========= =======
  LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
  Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable 3,345 6,089 891
  Accounts payable for property, plant
  and equipment 105,842 129,677 18,978
  Accrued expenses and other payables 61,969 54,328 7,951
  Income tax payable 14,108 9,875 1,445
  Dividend payable - 26,693 3,907
  ---- ------ -----
  Total current liabilities 185,264 226,662 33,172
  ------- ------- ------
  Deferred tax liabilities 21,951 22,786 3,335
  Income tax payable 5,500 5,800 849
  Other non-current liabilities 13,551 12,988 1,901
  ------ ------ -----
  Total liabilities 226,266 268,236 39,257
  ------- ------- ------
  Shareholders' equity:
  Ordinary shares 1 1 -
  Additional paid-in capital 1,475,669 1,485,939 217,468
  Accumulated other comprehensive loss (47,359) (47,293) (6,922)
  Retained earnings 949,459 920,449 134,709
  ------- ------- -------
  Total shareholders' equity 2,377,770 2,359,096 345,255
  --------- --------- -------
  Total liabilities and
  shareholders' equity 2,604,036 2,627,332 384,512
  ========= ========= =======
  GUSHAN ENVIRONMENTAL ENERGY LIMITED
  UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
  (Amounts expressed in thousands)
  Three Months Ended
  ------------------
  March 31, December 31,
  2008 2008 March 31, 2009
  ----------- -------------- --------------
  RMB RMB RMB US$
  Cash flows from
  operating
  activities
  Net income (loss) 111,170 (37,696) (2,317) (339)
  Adjustments to
  reconcile net
  income to net
  cash provided by
  operating
  activities:
  Share-based
  compensation 4,547 10,729 10,270 1,503
  Depreciation 14,652 23,102 23,966 3,507
  Land use rights
  expense 224 340 350 51
  Loss on disposal of
  property, plant and
  equipment - 57 44 7
  Foreign currency
  exchange loss
  (gain), net 3,300 56,275 (58) (8)
  Deferred tax expense 5,692 (3,520) 1,004 147
  Change in assets and
  liabilities
  Accounts receivable (4,127) 7,772 3,532 517
  Inventories (5,160) 864 5,717 837
  Prepaid expenses
  and other current
  assets (473) 196 (3,400) (498)
  Income tax receivable (1,642) (4,936) (6,236) (913)
  Accounts payable 3,559 (1,851) 2,744 402
  Accrued expenses and
  other payables (630) 3,274 (7,641) (1,118)
  Income tax payable (3,063) 1,754 (3,933) (576)
  Other non-current
  liabilities (599) (564) (564) (82)
  Other assets 155 146 146 21
  --- --- --- --
  Net cash
  provided by
  operating
  activities 127,605 55,942 23,624 3,458
  ------- ------ ------ -----
  Cash flows from
  investing
  activities
  Purchase of
  property, plant
  and equipment (246,453) (226,582) (149,365) (21,860)
  Proceeds from
  disposal of
  property,
  plant and
  equipment - - 30 4
  Payments for land
  use rights (12,745) (21,209) (248) (36)
  ------- ------- ---- ---
  Net cash used in
  investing
  activities (259,198) (247,791) 149,583) (21,892)
  -------- -------- -------- -------
  Cash flows from
  financing
  activities
  Payments for
  expenses related
  to Initial
  Public Offering (7,950) - - -
  ------ ----- ----- -----
  Net cash used in
  financing
  activities (7,950) - - -
  ------ ----- ----- -----
  Effect of foreign
  exchange rate
  changes on cash (33,240) (57,232) 122 18
  ------- ------- --- --
  Decrease in cash (172,783) (249,081) (125,837) (18,416)
  Cash at beginning
  of period 1,380,735 1,212,309 963,228 140,969
  --------- --------- ------- -------
  Cash at end of
  period 1,207,952 963,228 837,391 122,553
  ========= ======= ======= =======
  GUSHAN ENVIRONMENTAL ENERGY LIMITED
  RECONCILIATION OF GAAP MEASURES TO NON-GAAP MEASURES
  (Amounts expressed in thousands, except per share data)
  Three Months Ended
  ------------------
  March 31, December 31,
  2008 2008 March 31, 2009
  ---------- ------------- --------------
  RMB RMB RMB US$
  GAAP net income (loss) 111,170 (37,696) (2,317) (339)
  Share-based compensation 4,547 10,729 10,270 1,503
  ----- ------ ------ -----
  Non-GAAP net income (loss 115,717 (26,967) 7,953 1,164
  ======= ======= ===== =====
  GAAP net income (loss)
  per ADS - Basic 1.332 (0.452) (0.028) (0.004)
  Share-based compensation
  per ADS - Basic 0.055 0.129 0.123 0.018
  ----- ----- ----- -----
  Non-GAAP net income
  (loss) per ADS - Basic 1.387 (0.323) 0.095 0.014
  ===== ====== ===== =====
  GAAP net income (loss)
  per ADS - Diluted 1.328 (0.452) (0.028) (0.004)
  Share-based compensation
  per ADS - Diluted 0.054 0.129 0.123 0.018
  ----- ----- ----- -----
  Non-GAAP net income
  (loss) per ADS - Diluted 1.382 (0.323) 0.095 0.014
  ===== ====== ===== =====
  SOURCE Gushan Environmental Energy Limited
  -0- 05/15/2009
  /CONTACT: US, Elizabeth Cheek, Hill & Knowlton (New York),
  +1-212-885-0682, elizabeth.cheek@hillandknowlton.com, or Asia, Hoi Ni Kong,
  Hill & Knowlton (Hong Kong), +852-2894-6322,
  hoini.kong@hillandknowlton.com.hk/
  /Web Site: http://www.chinagushan.com /
  (GU)
  CO: Gushan Environmental Energy Limited
  ST: New York, China
  IN: OIL ENV
  SU: ERN ERP CCA ASI
  PR
  -- NY17671 --
  7671 05/15/2009 08:02 EDT http://www.prnewswire.com