AERT Cheers Increased Sales

Advanced Environmental Recycling Technologies Inc.

Advanced Environmental Recycling Technologies Inc. of Springdale said May 15 that net sales for the quarter ending March 31 increased 25 percent from last year.

AERT said net sales increased to about $7.8 million, up from about $6.2 million for the quarter ending March 31, 2000.

Gross margin increased 94 percent to about $2 million for the period ending March 31, up from about $1 million for the prior year. Operating income increased to $258,583, up from a loss of $140,601 for the prior year.

The company also said that income, before accrued dividends, increased to $41,348 for the quarter, up from a negative $241,937 for the same period a year ago.

Shares of AERT, which manufactures composite building materials made from recycled polyethylene plastic and waste wood fiber, were trading at $1 May 15 after closing at 92 cents the day before. By May 24, the stock had reached $1.02.