Xethanol: Q & A with the CEO?
Until recently, the only pure play ethanol stock that I knew about was PEIX (NASDAQ: PEIX). I have recommended it since December and continue to do so. I like their business model, management team and financiers (Bill Gates). However, unlike Pacific Ethanol (1st plant still under construction), Xethanol is a company that actually has operational plants and produces Ethanol.
I usually stay away from penny stocks or stocks that don’t trade on NYSE or NASDAQ. Also, I am in no way recommending or promoting Xethanol. With all the hoopla with Ethanol stock recently and President Bush promoting his alternate energy plan I think its worth looking into and finding more information on Xethanol. General Motors is also doing big time promotion of E85 cars as seen by GM E85 ads everywhere including Business Week and Forbes.
Xethanol is one of those OTC Bulletin Board stocks. On Yahoo! Finance its traded under the symbol (XTHN.ob) and unlike most of Bulletin Boards stocks, Xethanol trades well above $1 in price. Today’s closing price was in fact $6.47, down about 2%.
I have sent an email with questions to the Investor relations contact who has graciously returned my email and assured me that Christopher d’Arnaud-Taylor, CEO, would be happy to answer my questions.
With help of someone who is very knowledgable about Ethanol Stocks I was able to compile the following questions:
Financials
1. In a recent Fortune article, it was mentioned that Xethanol will achieve profitability in 2006. Can you comment on that?
2. In recent a 10K report, you stated that you had enough funds to last to March 2006. Have you been able to secure additional funds for the business?
3. Do you have any plans to list your stock on the NASDAQ or AMEX stock exchanges? If so, any timeframe that you would be willing to disclose?
4. Please comment on the agreement with the National Forest Service?
5. You have one plant that is operational right now and one that is being refurbished for future use. Is this correct? What are your future growth plans?
Business Model
1. How do you see the ethanol business model evolving in the future? Would you compare it to the model of utility company’s - local operations at a local level.
2. How do you plan to market your ethanol? Do you have agreements with any marketing firms/distributors for the ethanol that Xethanol produces? Does Xethanol have any interest in a marketing firm?
3. What changes or break through do see on the horizon?
4. Any concerns with the enzyme that breaks down the raw material? Logen has touted the new enzyme process or fermentation process?
5. Do you plan to sell any by products (CO2 to bottlers)?
6. Ethanol is business that could skyrocket over the next year? How do you balance growth and profitability?
Government Spending and Legislation
1. Do you support the Vehicle and Fuel Choices Act for American Security Act. Do you think the timeframe is realistic or not aggressive enough for all vehicles to be flexible fuel capable?
2. Do you favor legislation at the state level to enforce the sale of Flex Fuel Vehicles or Hybrids?
Do you have any specific questions you would like to add these? Leave me your comments (No registration required).






March 1st, 2006 at 9:13 am
I have been trying to find some info on Xethanol as well. Can’t wait to see the reply. Good job on the questions.
March 1st, 2006 at 9:14 am
Good luck getting them to answer these questions.
March 1st, 2006 at 7:32 pm
I would stay away from this stock unless ofcourse they provide some good info by answering these questions.
March 1st, 2006 at 7:47 pm
The main question is if they are planning to be listed on NASDAQ or AMEX. I hope they atleast answer that one.
March 1st, 2006 at 7:48 pm
Stick with PEIX or ADM for now.
March 1st, 2006 at 8:16 pm
What rights? What scientist? What Beetle?
Given this paragraph:
“Xethanol will use a recently discovered form of yeast to ferment various types of garbage into ethanol. It has obtained rights to the process from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, where a scientist discovered that a yeast in the intestines of a type of beetle can convert plant-based waste product into ethanol.”
taken from: http://money.cnn.com/2006/02/08/magazines/fsb/nextlittle_xethanol/index.htm
March 9th, 2006 at 8:57 pm
Well I’ve seen the Q. Now where’s the A?
March 12th, 2006 at 9:40 pm
I emailed them again and still waiting for an answer.