Harvard Bioscience Announces First Quarter 2024 Financial Results

Rhea-AI Summary

Harvard Bioscience, Inc. (Nasdaq: HBIO) announced its first quarter 2024 financial results, reporting revenues of $24.5 million, a gross margin of 60.3%, and adjusted EBITDA of $1.6 million. Despite challenges in certain markets, the company remains focused on efficiency and growth, with a cost reduction initiative in place. The net loss for the quarter was $(4.7) million, with a decrease in revenues compared to the prior year. The company expects flat revenues for 2024, with second-half growth and a gross margin of 60%. Harvard Bioscience will be hosting a conference call to discuss the results.

Positive

• Harvard Bioscience reported a gross margin of 60.3% for the first quarter of 2024, indicating strong performance in cost management.

• The company announced a cost reduction initiative to improve operating costs and support growth investments, showcasing a strategic focus on efficiency.

• Harvard Bioscience expects second-half growth in 2024, driven by new product commercializations and anticipated improvements in China, supporting future revenue prospects.

Negative

• Harvard Bioscience experienced a decrease in revenues, reporting $24.5 million for the first quarter of 2024 compared to $30.0 million in the same period last year.

• The company reported a net loss of $(4.7) million for the first quarter of 2024, reflecting lower performance compared to the prior year's net income of $0.6 million.

• Adjusted EBITDA decreased to $1.6 million in the first quarter of 2024 from $4.8 million in the prior year, indicating a decline in operational profitability.

Insights

Financial Analyst

Harvard Bioscience's Q1 2024 financial results reveal a decline in revenues to $24.5 million from $30.0 million in the previous year. The gross margin has slightly decreased to 60.3% from 61.2%. Of particular note is the net loss of $(4.7) million, a significant shift from a net income of $0.6 million in Q1 2023. This downturn can be attributed to losses on marketable securities and elevated operational expenses. The mentioned cost reduction initiative could enhance efficiency and help offset these losses in future quarters. Adjusted EBITDA also fell to $1.6 million, suggesting tightened operational efficiency compared to $4.8 million last year, reflecting a more challenging operational environment. The company's guidance for flat annual revenues and a gross margin around 60% indicates a cautious outlook, possibly adjusting for continued headwinds and the uncertain macroeconomic landscape.

Market Analyst

In the broader context, Harvard Bioscience's performance could be seen as a bellwether for the life science tools sector, particularly in how it is navigating APAC market volatility and global economic pressures. The company's acknowledgment of market headwinds, especially in the APAC region, is a forthright recognition of the challenges posed by the current geopolitical and economic situation. However, the anticipation of positive effects from the Chinese stimulus on the demand for academic research and healthcare products could signify a potential uptick in the sector's performance, especially pertinent for investors interested in the life sciences field. This stimulus is expected to catalyze growth in H2 2024, aligning with the company's new product commercializations. Nonetheless, the reliance on future market improvements in China adds an element of risk due to the unpredictability of external economic factors.

Debt Analyst

From a debt perspective, Harvard Bioscience's effort to reduce debt by $1.0 million during the first quarter is a positive move, signaling prudent financial management. This debt reduction, coupled with the company's initiative to streamline operations and reduce costs, could improve its balance sheet health over the long term. However, investors will need to monitor future cash flows closely, particularly the cash provided by operations, which decreased slightly from $1.8 million to $1.4 million. This metric will be important for assessing the company's ability to sustain debt reduction efforts and finance its growth strategies without over-leveraging.

Strong gross margin performance and focus on efficiency to support ongoing investments in growth

HOLLISTON, Mass., May 07, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Harvard Bioscience, Inc. (Nasdaq: HBIO) (the “Company”) today announced financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024.

Jim Green, Chairman and CEO, said, “As expected, our first quarter revenues reflect ongoing market headwinds, especially in APAC, amplified by a strong prior year comparison. Despite these headwinds, we were pleased to deliver gross margins of 60%. After quarter end, we announced a cost reduction initiative to improve our operating cost structure and support our ongoing investments in growth.”

Green continued, “Looking ahead, we are excited by our growth strategy and new product commercializations. Together with the new round of Chinese stimulus targeting a range of products including academic research and healthcare products, we continue to expect solid growth in the second half.”

Financial Results Summary	Three Months Ended March 31,
(unaudited, $ in millions except per share data)		2024				2023
Revenues	$	24.5			$	30.0
Gross margin		60.3%				61.2%
Operating (loss) income (GAAP)	$	(2.3)			$	1.7
Adjusted operating income	$	1.2			$	4.4
Net (loss) income (GAAP)	$	(4.7)			$	0.6
Diluted (loss) earnings per share (GAAP)	$	(0.11)			$	0.01
Diluted adjusted earnings per share	$	0.02			$	0.06
Adjusted EBITDA	$	1.6			$	4.8
Adjusted EBITDA margin		6.6%				15.9%
Cash flow provided by operations	$	1.4			$	1.8

This press release includes certain financial information presented on an adjusted, or non-GAAP, basis. For additional information on the non-GAAP financial measures included in this press release, please see “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information” and “Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below.

First Quarter 2024 Results

For the first quarter of fiscal 2024, the Company reported revenues of $24.5 million compared to $30.0 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2023. Gross margin for the three months ended March 31, 2024 was 60.3% compared with 61.2% in the comparable quarter of the prior year.

Net loss for the first quarter of 2024 was $(4.7) million which included a loss on marketable securities and other operating expenses of approximately ($2.3) million. This compares to net income of $0.6 million in the first quarter of 2023. Adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter of 2024 was $1.6 million, compared to $4.8 million in the first quarter of the prior year.

Cash provided by operations for the first quarter of 2024 was $1.4 million compared to $1.8 million in the same period last year. Debt was reduced by $1.0 million during the first quarter of 2024.

2024 Guidance

For the full year 2024 we expect revenues to be approximately flat versus 2023. We expect second half growth versus both first half of 2024 and second half of 2023, supported by new product commercializations and expected improvements in China. We also continue to expect 2024 gross margin of approximately 60% and adjusted EBITDA margin in the mid-teens.

Webcast and Conference Call Details

In conjunction with this announcement, Harvard Bioscience will be hosting a conference call and webcast today at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time. A presentation that will be referenced during the webcast will be posted to our Investor Relations website shortly before the webcast begins.

Analysts who would like to join the call and ask a question must register here. Once registered, you will receive the dial-in numbers and a unique PIN number.

Participants who would like to join the audio-only webcast should go to our events and presentations on the investor website here.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information

In this press release, we have included non-GAAP financial information, including one or more of adjusted operating income (loss), adjusted operating margin, adjusted net income (loss), adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA margin, adjusted diluted earnings (loss) per share, and net debt. We believe that this non-GAAP financial information provides investors with an enhanced understanding of the underlying operations of the business. For the periods presented, these non-GAAP financial measures have excluded certain expenses and income resulting from items that we do not believe are representative of the underlying operations of the business. Items excluded include stock-based compensation, amortization of intangibles related to acquisitions, other operating expenses, loss on equity securities, income taxes, and the tax impact of the reconciling items. Management believes that this non-GAAP financial information is important in comparing current results with prior period results and is useful to investors and financial analysts in assessing the Company’s operating performance.

Non-GAAP historical financial statement information included herein is accompanied by a reconciliation to the nearest corresponding GAAP measure which is included as exhibits below in this press release.

With respect to non-GAAP forward-looking measures, we provide an outlook for adjusted EBITDA margin. Many of the items that we exclude from this forward-looking measure calculation are less capable of being controlled or reliably predicted by management. These items could cause the forward-looking measures presented in our outlook statements to vary materially from our GAAP results.

The non-GAAP financial information provided in this press release should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, the financial information provided and presented in accordance with GAAP and may be different than other companies’ non-GAAP financial information.

About Harvard Bioscience

Harvard Bioscience, Inc. is a leading developer, manufacturer and seller of technologies, products and services that enable fundamental advances in life science applications, including research, pharmaceutical and therapy discovery, bio-production and preclinical testing for pharmaceutical and therapy development. Our customers range from renowned academic institutions and government laboratories to the world’s leading pharmaceutical, biotechnology and contract research organizations. With operations in the United States, Europe, and China, we sell through a combination of direct and distribution channels to customers around the world.
For more information, please visit our website at www.harvardbioscience.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This document contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend” and similar expressions or statements that do not relate to historical matters. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, information concerning expected future financial and operational performance including revenues, gross margins, earnings, cash and debt position, growth and the introduction of new products, and the strength of the Company’s market position and business model. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve known and unknown uncertainties, risks, assumptions, and contingencies, many of which are outside the Company’s control. Risks and other factors that could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from those described its forward-looking statements include those described in the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K as well as in the Company’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements are based on the Company’s expectations and assumptions as of the date of this document. Except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect any change in expectations, even as new information becomes available.

Company Contact:
Jennifer Cote
Chief Financial Officer
(508) 893-3120

Investors Contact:
Three Part Advisors
Sandy Martin / Erol Girgin / William Shelmire
HBIO@threepa.com
(214) 616-2207

HARVARD BIOSCIENCE, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(unaudited, in thousands, except per share data)
			Three Months Ended
				March 31, 2024				March 31, 2023
	Revenues		$	24,512			$	29,975
	Cost of revenues			9,740				11,629
		Gross profit		14,772				18,346
	Operating expenses:
		Sales and marketing expenses		5,904				5,978
		General and administrative expenses		5,963				6,334
		Research and development expenses		2,885				2,897
		Amortization of intangible assets		1,333				1,388
		Other operating expenses		966				-
	Total operating expenses			17,051				16,597
	Operating (loss) income			(2,279	)			1,749
	Other (expense) income:
		Interest expense		(751	)			(974	)
		Loss on equity securities		(1,312	)			-
		Other (expense) income, net		(142	)			432
	Total other expense			(2,205	)			(542	)
	(Loss) income before income taxes			(4,484	)			1,207
	Income tax expense			210				585
	Net (loss) income		$	(4,694	)		$	622
	(Loss) income per common share:
		Basic	$	(0.11	)		$	0.01
		Diluted	$	(0.11	)		$	0.01
	Weighted-average common shares:
		Basic		43,402				42,119
		Diluted		43,402				42,783

HARVARD BIOSCIENCE, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(unaudited, in thousands)
		March 31, 2024			December 31, 2023
	Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	4,255		$	4,283
	Accounts receivable, net		15,309			16,099
	Inventories		24,136			24,716
	Other current assets		4,448			3,940
	Total current assets		48,148			49,038
	Property, plant and equipment		4,492			3,981
	Goodwill and other intangibles		71,377			73,101
	Other long-term assets		9,144			11,246
	Total assets	$	133,161		$	137,366
	Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
	Current portion, long-term debt	$	3,720		$	5,859
	Other current liabilities		21,957			20,683
	Total current liabilities		25,677			26,542
	Long-term debt, net		31,890			30,704
	Other long-term liabilities		6,782			7,046
	Stockholders’ equity		68,812			73,074
	Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	133,161		$	137,366

HARVARD BIOSCIENCE, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(unaudited, in thousands)
		Three Months Ended
			March 31, 2024				March 31, 2023
	Cash flows from operating activities:
	Net (loss) income	$	(4,694	)		$	622
	Adjustments to operating cash flows		4,389				2,486
	Changes in operating assets and liabilities		1,708				(1,296	)
	Net cash provided by operating activities		1,403				1,812
	Cash flows from investing activities:
	Additions to property, plant and equipment		(645	)			(224	)
	Acquisition of intangible assets		(75	)			-
	Proceeds from sale of product line		-				512
	Proceeds from sale of marketable equity securities		495				-
	Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities		(225	)			288
	Cash flows from financing activities:
	Borrowing from revolving line of credit		2,500				1,500
	Repayment of revolving line of credit		(500	)			(2,500	)
	Repayment of term debt		(3,023	)			(1,841	)
	Proceeds from exercise of employee stock options and purchases		15				104
	Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards		(47	)			(156	)
	Net cash used in financing activities		(1,055	)			(2,893	)
	Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		(151	)			74
	Decrease in cash and cash equivalents		(28	)			(719	)
	Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of period		4,283				4,508
	Cash and cash equivalents at the end of period	$	4,255			$	3,789

	HARVARD BIOSCIENCE, INC.
	Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures (unaudited)
	(in thousands, except per share data and percentages)
			Three Months Ended
			March 31, 2024				March 31, 2023
	GAAP operating (loss) income		$	(2,279	)		$	1,749
		Stock-based compensation		1,048				1,153
		Acquired asset depreciation & amortization		1,339				1,401
		Other operating expenses (1)		966				-
		Other adjustments		97				131
	Adjusted operating income		$	1,171			$	4,434
	Operating margin			(9.3	%)			5.8	%
	Adjusted operating margin			4.8	%			14.8	%
	GAAP net (loss) income		$	(4,694	)		$	622
		Stock-based compensation		1,048				1,153
		Acquired asset depreciation & amortization		1,339				1,401
		Other operating expenses (1)		966				-
		Other adjustments		97				131
		Gain on sale of product line and dividend income		-				(493	)
		Loss on equity securities		1,312				-
		Income taxes		627				(340	)
	Adjusted net income			695				2,474
		Depreciation & amortization		443				321
		Interest and other expense, net		893				1,036
		Adjusted income taxes (2)		(417	)			924
	Adjusted EBITDA		$	1,614			$	4,755
	Adjusted EBITDA margin			6.6	%			15.9	%
	Diluted (loss) earnings per share (GAAP)		$	(0.11	)		$	0.01
	Diluted adjusted earnings per share		$	0.02			$	0.06
	Weighted-average common shares:
		Diluted GAAP		43,402				42,783
		Diluted Adjusted		44,693				42,783
		(1) Other operating expenses include a $0.5 million commission fee paid in connection with the receipt of employee retention credits and an estimated loss of $0.5 million related to an unclaimed property audit.
		(2) Adjusted income taxes includes the tax effect of adjusting for the reconciling items using the tax rates in the jurisdictions in which the reconciling items arise.

	HARVARD BIOSCIENCE, INC.
	Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures (unaudited)
	(in thousands)
		March 31, 2024				December 31, 2023				March 31, 2023
	Debt, including unamortized deferred financing costs	$	35,610			$	36,563			$	44,053
	Unamortized deferred financing costs		490				560				770
	Cash and cash equivalents		(4,255)				(4,283)				(3,789)
	Net debt	$	31,845			$	32,840			$	41,034

FAQ

What were Harvard Bioscience's revenues for the first quarter of 2024?

Harvard Bioscience reported revenues of $24.5 million for the first quarter of 2024.

What was the gross margin for Harvard Bioscience in the first quarter of 2024?

Harvard Bioscience achieved a gross margin of 60.3% in the first quarter of 2024.

What was the net loss reported by Harvard Bioscience for the first quarter of 2024?

Harvard Bioscience reported a net loss of $(4.7) million for the first quarter of 2024.

What is Harvard Bioscience's stock symbol?

Harvard Bioscience's stock symbol is HBIO.

What did Harvard Bioscience expect for full-year 2024 revenues?

Harvard Bioscience expects revenues to be approximately flat versus 2023 for full-year 2024.