CryoCath Technologies Inc., Montreal, a global leader in
cryotherapy products to treat cardiovascular disease, has announced
financial results for the third quarter ended June 30, 2006.
Selected Third Quarter Financial and Operating Highlights
- Increased revenue by 6% over third quarter of fiscal 2005, from
$9.2 million to $9.7 million;
- Increased disposable units sold by 26% over third quarter of
fiscal 2005, from 3,657 to 4,622;
- Installed 48 new surgical and EP console systems;
- Successfully completed treatment of an additional 15 patients in
the company's STOP AF IDE feasibility study;
- Presented independent peer reviewed data on Arctic Front;
reported 100% acute success data following ablation on 26 patients
treated for paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation (AF);
- Presented 19 oral and poster abstracts at 27th Annual Scientific
Sessions of the Heart Rhythm Society, the preeminent annual event for
electrophysiologists, with over 6,000 clinicians in attendance;
- Subsequent to quarter's end, expanded banking facilities and
drew down second traunch of Biolevier program. As a result, the company
has access to additional funds of $19.5 million
"On balance, the third quarter of 2006 was one marked by
progress here at CryoCath. We sold the highest number of disposable
units ever in one quarter. We also advanced the Arctic Front program
with the completion of the feasibility stage of the STOP AF IDE study
and the majority of manufacturing issues related to this product were
also resolved," said Henri Vienneau, interim CEO and chairman of
the board of directors. "As the year progresses, our top priority
will be to continue to advance the AF program. We will also focus on
ensuring that our burn-rate is commensurate with our revenue and
resources."
The company's product revenue reached $9.7 million for the
third quarter, an increase of $0.5 million or 6% over product sales of
$9.2 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2005. For the nine-month
period ending June 30, 2006, sales increased 24.0% to reach $28.9
million compared to $23.3 million in the same period a year ago.
Gross margins for the third quarter of fiscal 2006 were $4.9
million, or 50% of sales, a decrease from $5.8 million or 64% seen in
the third quarter of fiscal 2005. On a nine-month year-to-date basis,
gross margins were $16.7 million or 58% of sales, versus $14.7 million
or 63%. Gross margins in the third quarter of fiscal 2006 were impacted
by the reduction in the U.S. dollar versus the Canadian dollar, which
reduced margins by almost 4%; increased amortization expenses for the
Endocare license reduced margins by 2.5%; as well, margins are
reflecting lower average selling prices due to increased competitive
activity; finally, margins were also impacted by higher manufacturing
costs to resolve scale-up manufacturing issues of Arctic Front (these
costs are expected to decrease after all corrective actions are
completed).
Also during the quarter, a number of significant adjustments
occurred as a result of the company's ERP post implementation and
remediation process. The company conducted a full physical inventory
count and performed a detailed review of the consoles at its
customers' premises. As a result of the physical inventory count on
June 30, 2006 and the reconciliation of the consoles held at
customers' premises with its records, the company determined that
the value of inventory and consoles at customers' premises were
overstated, which required a restatement of previous quarters'
financial statements totaling $439,000. Restated financial statements
and amendments to the Management Analysis and Discussion for the first
quarter ended December 31, 2005 and the second quarter ended March 31,
2006 have been filed on SEDAR.
Research and development expenses for both the third quarter of
2005 and 2006 were $3.4. On a nine-month year-to-date basis, R&D
expenses were $9.8 million versus $8.6 million in the same period in
2005. The increase can be attributed in large part to expenditures for
our clinical feasibility trial and in preparation for the follow on
pivotal study.
Administrative expenses for the third quarter of 2006 were $1.9
million compared to $1.0 million for the third quarter ended June 30,
2005. On a nine-month year-to-date basis, administrative expenses were
$4.2 million versus $2.9 million for the same period a year ago. The
company incurred in the quarter approximately $0.6 million in
professional fees and other costs related to their examination of
financing proposals.
The company's sales and marketing expenses for the third
quarter of fiscal 2006 were $7.1 million compared to $6.4 million for
the third quarter of fiscal 2005. On a nine-month year-to-date basis,
sales and marketing expenses totaled $20.0 million versus $17.9 million
for the same period a year ago, but decreased as a percentage of sales
to 69% from 77%.
CryoCath's net loss for the third quarter ended June 30, 2006
totaled $8.4 or ($0.22) per share compared to a loss of $3.4 million or
($0.09) per share in the third quarter of fiscal 2005. On a nine-month
year-to-date basis, the net loss was $19.4 million or ($0.52) per share
versus $14.1 million or ($0.39) per share in the same period a year ago.
The increase, quarter over quarter, reflects the decrease in the income
derived from the sale of certain surgical distribution rights ($1.7
million) in its U.S. territory hospital accounts to a distributor and to
professional and other fees related to various financing alternatives
($0.6 million). As well, it also reflects the impact of the
aforementioned adjustments.
Operating burn for the quarter was $5.6 million versus $2.0 million
for the third quarter of 2005. On a nine-month basis, the operating burn
was $13.3 million versus $9.7 million in 2005.
Working capital was $17.7 million at June 30, 2006, a decrease of
$7.0 million over the $24.7 million of working capital at March 31,
2006. Subsequent to quarter's end, the company expanded its banking
facilities. As a result, CryoCath has access to approximately $33
million in cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and
borrowing facilities. The company believes that it will continue to be
able to access sufficient working capital to meet its current and future
anticipated requirements.
Subsequent Events
On August 11, 2006, the company signed a new credit facility with a
new senior lender, National Bank of Canada (Health Group). The credit
facility includes an $11,000,000 revolving operating line and a
$3,500,000 term loan. The new facility replaces the company's
existing $5 million operating line. As well, the company recently drew a
further $10 million from its Biolevier program with Investissement
Quebec.
"With access to $19.5 million in new capital, we are now
equipped with the financial flexibility to pursue our corporate
objectives, most notably the advancement of our Atrial Fibrillation
program," said Mr. Vienneau, chairman of the board and acting CEO.
"Furthermore, that we were able to obtain such financing without
diluting shareholder value underscores the long-term potential of both
our product pipeline and our ability to generate growth."
Under this new facility, the company will no longer be required to
maintain deposits with the service lender equal to the amounts advanced.
Direct advances under the revolving operating facility bear interest at
Canadian prime plus 1.75% and are collateralized by a general security
agreement in respect of most current assets. Direct advances under the
term facility bear interest at variables rates, either at Canadian prime
or U.S. base rate plus 2.00%, have a three-year term, with defined
quarterly principal repayments.
About CryoCath
CryoCath is a medical technology company that leads the world in
cryotherapy products to treat cardiovascular disease. With a priority
focus on providing physicians with a complete solution of catheter and
surgical products to treat cardiac arrhythmias, CryoCath has multiple
products approved in the U.S., across Europe and several ROW countries.
The company is developing additional products to expand its pipeline of
products to treat cardiac arrhythmias and has development projects for
the treatment of cardiac ischemia (angina) and peripheral arterial
disease (PAD).
For more information, visit http://www.cryocath.com or call
416/815-0700 ext. 231.
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