- Net sales grew 12.8% to $24.1 million in 2014
- Full year gross margin expanded 5.1 points to 19.3%, driven by improved efficiencies and higher volumes
- Achieved net income of $0.7 million, or $0.23 per diluted share, in 2014
- Generated $1.8 million of cash from operations for the year
- Adjusted EBITDA(1), a non-GAAP measure, grew $1.9 million to $2.5 million in 2014
FITCHBURG, Mass., March 20, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Arrhythmia Research Technology, Inc. (NYSE MKT:HRT) (the "Company"), through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Micron Products, Inc., is a diversified contract manufacturing organization that produces highly-engineered, innovative medical device technologies requiring precision machining and injection molding, announced today results for its fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2014.
Salvatore Emma, Jr., President and CEO, commented, "Our revenue and earnings growth was driven by increased volume across all product lines, cost discipline, and improved operational efficiencies. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of our employees, the Company achieved its first profitable year since 2010 and its most profitable year since 2007."
Strong net sales growth in 2014; Fourth quarter impacted by orders and product mix
Net sales for the year ended December 31, 2014 were $24.1 million, up 12.8% from $21.3 million in 2013. Growth was driven primarily by higher net sales of sensors and strong demand for orthopedic implant components.
Sensor net sales dollars increased 10.3% due primarily to a 23.4% increase in volume over the prior-year period. Somewhat offsetting the high volume growth was the decline in the silver surcharge billed which reflected a 20.0% decline in the average price of silver over the prior-year period. Net sales of contract manufacturing of orthopedic implant components increased 36.2% due to higher order volume. The 3.0% increase in custom thermoplastic injection molding and tooling was due to product mix and increased order volume of automotive and medical device components.
Mr. Emma added, "We believe that contract manufacturing of medical devices and components will be a primary driver of future growth. Our investments in quality, throughput and expanded capabilities have allowed us to strengthen partnerships across our existing customer base and add new customers, positioning us well for long-term growth."
Net sales for the fourth quarter of 2014 were $5.7 million compared with $6.1 million in the prior-year. Due to the timing of customer orders and shipments, net sales of orthopedic implant components were down 18.8% compared with the fourth quarter of 2013. Net sales from thermoplastic injection molding products were 6.5% lower due to product mix and decreased order volume from medical device components.
Sensor net sales dollars were up 6.8%, primarily a result of a 28.0% increase in volume over the prior-year period. Despite higher sensor volume, the silver surcharge billed was lower due to a 20.8% decline in the average price of silver over the prior-year period.
Fourth quarter margin expands despite lower net sales
| $ In thousands | Q4 2014 | Q4 2013 | $ Change | % Change |
| Gross Profit | $ 1,031 | $ 973 | $ 59 | 6.1% |
| Gross Margin | 18.0% | 16.0% | ||
| Total net income (loss) | $ 32 | $ (77) | $ 109 | * |
| Diluted earnings (loss) per share | $ 0.01 | $ (0.03) | $ 0.04 | * |
| *Not material or meaningful | ||||
Gross profit improved in the 2014 fourth quarter to $1.0 million, or 18.0% of net sales, over the prior-year period, while gross margin expanded 2.0 points as a result of product mix, improved productivity and cost efficiencies.
Selling and marketing expenses were $230 thousand, or 4.0% of net sales, in the fourth quarter of 2014, compared with $253 thousand, or 4.2% of net sales, in the 2013 fourth quarter. Commissions declined $20 thousand due to lower net sales.
Fourth quarter 2014 general and administrative expenses declined $80 thousand, or 12.0%, to $588 thousand, or 10.2% of net sales, compared with $668 thousand, or 11.0% of net sales, in the prior-year period. Directors' compensation was lower by $62 thousand due to the issuance of stock to the independent directors in 2013. Accounting fees were lower by $50 thousand due in part to the impact of the transition of auditors in 2013. Additionally, legal fees were lower by $49 thousand. These decreases were partially offset by higher wages, taxes and benefits of $89 thousand due in part to bonus accruals of $34 thousand and severance of $22 thousand.
Research and development expenses for the fourth quarter of 2014 were $116 thousand, or 2.0% of net sales, compared with $84 thousand, or 1.4% of net sales, in the prior-year period. The increase was related to efforts to develop a unique process to improve silver coating during the manufacturing processes. The Company also conducts customer-funded research and development of new products in the military and law enforcement industry.
Net income improved to $32 thousand, or earnings of $0.01 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2014, from a net loss of $77 thousand, or a loss of $0.03 per diluted share, in the same period in 2013.
Adjusted EBITDA(1) (income from continuing operations adjusted for income taxes, other income and expense, interest, depreciation and amortization, and share-based compensation expense) for the fourth quarter of 2014 was $471 thousand, or 8.2% of net sales, compared with $402 thousand, or 6.6% of net sales, for the same period of the prior year. (1)See attached table for additional important disclosures regarding the Company's use of Adjusted EBITDA, as well as a reconciliation of net income (loss) from continuing operations to Adjusted EBITDA.
Full year 2014 demonstrates overall solid performance
| $ In thousands | Twelve Months Ended December 31, | |||
| 2014 | 2013 | $ Change | % Change | |
| Gross Profit | $ 4,638 | $ 3,033 | $ 1,605 | 56.1% |
| Gross Margin | 19.3% | 14.2% | ||
| Total net income (loss) | $ 659 | $ (3,538) | $ 4,198 | * |
| Diluted earnings (loss) per share | $ 0.23 | $ (1.31) | $ 1.54 | * |
| *Not material or meaningful | ||||
Gross profit for the year improved to $4.6 million, or 19.3% of net sales, from $3.0 million, or 14.2% of net sales, in 2013. Higher volume, product mix and productivity improvements drove the 5.1 point margin expansion.
Total operating expenses for 2014 were $3.7 million, down 6.1% from $4.0 million in the prior year due in part to lower accounting fees, the elimination of prior period costs associated with changes in executive management in 2013, lower directors' compensation due to stock grants issued in 2013, partially offset by employee bonuses in 2014 and expenses related to the engagement of an investor relations firm.
As a result, operating income from continuing operations improved to $891 thousand, or 3.7% of net sales, compared with a loss of $960 thousand in 2013.
The Company generated net income of $659 thousand, or earnings of $0.23 per diluted share, which reflects the leverage gained from higher order volume across all product lines. This was a significant improvement from a net loss of $3.5 million, or a loss of $1.31 per diluted share, in 2013, which included a $2.3 million tax adjustment associated with the establishment of a full valuation allowance of the Company's deferred tax assets.
Adjusted EBITDA(1) for 2014 was $2.5 million, or 10.2% of net sales, compared with $591 thousand, or 2.8% of net sales, in 2013. (1)See attached table for additional important disclosures regarding the Company's use of Adjusted EBITDA, as well as a reconciliation of net income (loss) from continuing operations to Adjusted EBITDA.
Cash flow and financial resources
At December 31, 2014, the Company had cash on hand of $209 thousand and working capital of $1.3 million. For the full year, the Company generated net cash from operating activities of continuing operations of $1.8 million, used net cash of $1.5 million for capital expenditures, paid down $435 thousand on the term notes and reduced the outstanding balance on the revolving line of credit by $703 thousand. The Company believes that cash flow from its operations, together with its existing working capital, the revolving line of credit and other resources, will be sufficient to fund operations at current levels and repay debt obligations over the next twelve months assuming the renewal of its revolving line of credit in June 2015.
Strategy and outlook
Mr. Emma concluded, "Looking forward into 2015, the Company is optimistic concerning the many opportunities across all sectors of the business. As the Company acquires new customers and continues executing on its diversification strategy, it is well prepared to adjust to the varying needs and demands of this new business. Orders and product mix may fluctuate as a result of this progress; however, the Company is capable of leveraging its operational efficiencies to minimize any potential uncertainty in quarter-to-quarter performance. Though one large customer has indicated that the Company should expect lower volume in 2015, I am confident that the Company can expand and capitalize on its successful 2014."
About Arrhythmia Research Technology, Inc.
Arrhythmia Research Technology, Inc., through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Micron Products, Inc., is a diversified contract manufacturing organization that produces highly-engineered, innovative medical device technologies requiring precision machining and injection molding. The Company also manufactures components, devices and equipment for military, law enforcement, industrial and automotive applications. In addition, the Company is a market leader in the production and sale of silver/silver chloride coated and conductive resin sensors used as consumable component parts in the manufacture of integrated disposable electrophysiological sensors. The Company's strategy for growth is to build a best-in-class quality organization and capitalize on its engineering design expertise and reliable, proprietary manufacturing processes to further penetrate the medical device contract manufacturing market.
The Company routinely posts news and other important information on its websites: http://www.arthrt.com and http://www.micronproducts.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
Forward-looking statements made herein are based on current expectations of Arrhythmia Research Technology, Inc. ("our" or the "Company") that involve a number of risks and uncertainties and should not be considered as guarantees of future performance. The factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include our ability to retain order volumes from customers who represent significant proportions of net sales; our ability to maintain our pricing model, offset higher costs with price increases and/or decrease our cost of sales; variability of customer delivery requirements; the level of sales of higher margin products and services; our ability to renew our credit facility and manage our level of debt and provisions in the debt agreements which could make the Company sensitive to the effects of economic downturns and limit our ability to react to changes in the economy or our industry; failure to comply with financial and other covenants in our credit facility; volatility in commodity and energy prices and our ability to offset higher costs with price increases; continued availability of supplies or materials used in manufacturing at competitive prices; variability of customer delivery requirements; variations in the mix of products sold; and the amount and timing of investments in capital equipment, sales and marketing, engineering and information technology resources. More information about factors that potentially could affect the Company's financial results is included in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
FINANCIAL TABLES FOLLOW.
| ARRHYTHMIA RESEARCH TECHNOLOGY, INC. | ||||
| CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS | ||||
|
Three months ended December 31, |
Twelve months ended December 31, |
|||
| 2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | |
| Net sales | $ 5,740,820 | $ 6,089,201 | $ 24,070,292 | $ 21,341,052 |
| Cost of sales | 4,708,907 | 5,116,163 | 19,432,241 | 18,308,389 |
| Gross profit | 1,031,913 | 973,038 | 4,638,051 | 3,032,663 |
| Selling and marketing | 230,204 | 253,103 | 1,015,279 | 949,815 |
| General and administrative | 587,516 | 667,818 | 2,322,795 | 2,704,957 |
| Research and development | 115,905 | 83,537 | 408,867 | 335,309 |
| Total operating expenses | 933,625 | 1,004,458 | 3,746,941 | 3,990,081 |
| Income (loss) from continuing operations | 98,288 | (31,420) | 891,110 | (957,418) |
| Other income (expense): | ||||
| Interest expense | (67,224) | (60,455) | (274,138) | (319,395) |
| Other income, net | 1,284 | 17,583 | 46,184 | 25,646 |
| Total other income (expense), net | (65,940) | (42,872) | (227,954) | (293,749) |
| Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes | 32,348 | (74,292) | 663,156 | (1,251,167) |
| Income tax (benefit) provision | (39) | -- | 2,168 | 2,267,969 |
| Net income (loss) from continuing operations | 32,387 | (74,292) | 660,988 | (3,519,136) |
| Discontinued Operations: | ||||
| Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax provisions of $0 for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively | — | (2,625) | (1,779) | (19,194) |
| Net income (loss) | $ 32,387 | $ (76,917) | $ 659,209 | $ (3,538,330) |
| Earnings (loss) per share - basic | ||||
| Continuing operations | $ 0.01 | $ (0.03) | $ 0.24 | $ (1.30) |
| Discontinued operations | — | — | — | (0.01) |
| Earnings (loss) per share - basic | $ 0.01 | $ (0.03) | $ 0.24 | $ (1.31) |
| Earnings (loss) per share - diluted | ||||
| Continuing operations | $ 0.01 | $ (0.03) | $ 0.23 | $ (1.30) |
| Discontinued operations | — | — | — | (0.01) |
| Earnings (loss) per share - diluted | $ 0.01 | $ (0.03) | $ 0.23 | $ (1.31) |
| Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic | 2,773,361 | 2,708,739 | 2,742,080 | 2,705,373 |
| Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted | 2,849,981 | 2,708,739 | 2,863,098 | 2,705,373 |
| ARRHYTHMIA RESEARCH TECHNOLOGY, INC. | ||
| CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS | ||
| December 31, 2014 | December 31, 2013 | |
| Assets | ||
| Current assets: | ||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ 209,398 | $ 749,766 |
| Restricted cash | — | 1,000,000 |
| Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $45,000 and $40,000 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively | 3,536,747 | 3,803,853 |
| Inventories | 2,514,241 | 2,335,291 |
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 519,582 | 513,197 |
| Assets from discontinued operations | — | 1,509 |
| Total current assets | 6,779,968 | 8,403,616 |
| Property, plant and equipment, net | 7,618,901 | 7,579,556 |
| Intangible assets, net | 134,022 | 184,517 |
| Other assets | 570,357 | 185,595 |
| Total assets | $ 15,103,248 | $ 16,353,284 |
| Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity | ||
| Current liabilities: | ||
| Revolving line of credit, current portion | $ 2,071,495 | $ — |
| Equipment line of credit, current portion | — | 85,387 |
| Term notes payable, current portion | 490,341 | 335,760 |
| Accounts payable | 1,857,156 | 2,156,031 |
| Accrued expenses & other current liabilities | 405,975 | 436,775 |
| Customer deposits | 98,110 | 341,465 |
| Deferred revenue, current | 228,363 | 248,559 |
| Performance guarantee liability | — | 1,000,000 |
| Liabilities from discontinued operations, current | 320,056 | 319,787 |
| Total current liabilities | 5,471,496 | 4,923,764 |
| Long-term liabilities: | ||
| Revolving line of credit, non-current portion | — | 2,774,495 |
| Equipment line of credit, non-current portion | — | 538,707 |
| Term notes payable, non-current portion | 1,330,755 | 1,179,709 |
| Subordinated promissory notes | 445,452 | 417,769 |
| Deferred revenue, non-current | 610,430 | 172,316 |
| Total long-term liabilities | 2,386,637 | 5,082,996 |
| Total liabilities | 7,858,133 | 10,006,760 |
| Commitments and Contingencies | ||
| Shareholders' equity: | ||
| Preferred stock, $1 par value; 2,000,000 shares authorized, none issued | — | — |
| Common stock, $.01 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; 3,926,491 issued, 2,778,339 and 2,722,239 outstanding at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively | 39,265 | 39,265 |
| Additional paid-in-capital | 11,336,693 | 11,236,236 |
| Treasury stock at cost, 1,148,152 and 1,204,252 shares at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively | (3,133,883) | (3,272,808) |
| Accumulated other comprehensive income | 42,502 | 42,502 |
| Accumulated deficit | (1,039,462) | (1,698,671) |
| Total shareholders' equity | 7,245,115 | 6,346,524 |
| Total liabilities and shareholders' equity | $ 15,103,248 | $ 16,353,284 |
| ARRHYTHMIA RESEARCH TECHNOLOGY, INC. | ||
| CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS | ||
| Year ended December 31, | 2014 | 2013 |
| Cash flows from operating activities: | ||
| Net income (loss) | $ 659,209 | $ (3,538,330) |
| Loss from discontinued operations | 1,779 | 19,194 |
| Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: | ||
| Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment | (21,000) | (4,780) |
| Amortization of deferred gain on lease | — | (8,934) |
| Depreciation and amortization | 1,538,893 | 1,444,005 |
| Non-cash interest expense | 27,683 | 819 |
| Change in allowance for doubtful accounts | 5,000 | (77,098) |
| Deferred income taxes | — | 2,267,969 |
| Share-based compensation expense | 33,390 | 105,071 |
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | ||
| Accounts receivable | 262,106 | (545,034) |
| Inventories | (178,950) | 79,813 |
| Deposits, prepaid expenses and other current assets | (6,385) | 256,714 |
| Other non-current assets | (384,762) | 29,001 |
| Accounts payable | (298,875) | (281,747) |
| Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | (294,351) | 195,840 |
| Other non-current liabilities | 438,114 | (154,666) |
| Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities of continuing operations | 1,781,851 | (212,163) |
| Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities of discontinued operations | (1,509) | (277,365) |
| Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | 1,780,342 | (489,528) |
| Cash flows from investing activities: | ||
| Purchases of property, plant and equipment | (1,514,678) | (1,610,152) |
| Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment | 24,500 | 44,337 |
| Cash paid for patents and trademarks | (16,566) | (33,266) |
| Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities from continuing operations | (1,506,744) | (1,599,081) |
| Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities from discontinued operations | — | 247,992 |
| Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | (1,506,744) | (1,351,089) |
| Cash flows from financing activities: | ||
| (Payments on) proceeds from revolving line of credit, net | (703,000) | 2,774,495 |
| Payments on demand line of credit | — | (800,000) |
| Proceeds from equipment line of credit | 116,905 | 624,094 |
| Proceeds from term notes payable | — | 1,500,000 |
| Payments on term notes payable | (435,372) | (1,515,287) |
| Proceeds from subordinated promissory notes | — | 500,000 |
| Proceeds from stock option exercises | 100,692 | — |
| Proceeds from warrant exercises | 105,300 | — |
| Restricted cash | — | (1,000,000) |
| Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities from continuing operations | (815,475) | 2,083,302 |
| Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities from discontinued operations | — | — |
| Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | (815,475) | 2,083,302 |
| Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | (541,877) | 242,685 |
| Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period | 751,275 | 508,590 |
| Cash and cash equivalents, end of period | 209,398 | 751,275 |
| Less: cash and cash equivalents of discontinued operations at end of period | 1,509 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents of continuing operations at end of period | $ 209,398 | $ 749,766 |
| ARRHYTHMIA RESEARCH TECHNOLOGY, INC. | ||||
| ADJUSTED EBITDA RECONCILIATION | ||||
| (Unaudited, $ in thousands) | ||||
| Three Months Ended | Twelve Months Ended | |||
| December 31, | December 31, | |||
| 2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | |
| Net income (loss) from continuing operations | $ 32 | $ (74) | $ 661 | $ (3,519) |
| Income tax provision | -- | -- | 2 | 2,268 |
| Other income/expense | (1) | (18) | (46) | (26) |
| Interest expense | 67 | 60 | 274 | 319 |
| Depreciation and amortization | 362 | 370 | 1,539 | 1,444 |
| Share-based compensation | 11 | 64 | 33 | 105 |
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ 471 | $ 402 | $ 2,463 | $ 591 |
| Adjusted EBITDA margin % | 8.2% | 6.6% | 10.2% | 2.8% |
(1) Non-GAAP Financial Measures
In addition to reporting net income, a U.S. generally accepted accounting principle ("GAAP") measure, this news release contains information about Adjusted EBITDA (income from continuing operations adjusted for income taxes, other income and expense, interest, depreciation and amortization, and share-based compensation expense), which is a non-GAAP measure. The Company believes Adjusted EBITDA allows investors to view its performance in a manner similar to the methods used by management and provides additional insight into its operating results. Adjusted EBITDA is not calculated through the application of GAAP. Accordingly, it should not be considered as a substitute for the GAAP measure of net income and, therefore, should not be used in isolation of, but in conjunction with, the GAAP measure. The use of any non-GAAP measure may produce results that vary from the GAAP measure and may not be comparable to a similarly defined non-GAAP measure used by other companies.