Protolabs Reports Financial Results for the First Quarter of 2024

Rhea-AI Summary

Protolabs, Inc. reported strong financial results for Q1 2024 with a total revenue of $128 million, up 1.6% YoY. The revenue from Protolabs Network saw a significant increase of 39% YoY to $24 million. GAAP earnings per share were $0.20, while non-GAAP earnings per share stood at $0.40. The company remains focused on driving profitable growth and enhancing shareholder value.

Positive

• Revenue increased by 1.6% YoY.

• Protolabs Network revenue surged by 39% YoY.

• Net income rose to $5.3 million, with a significant EPS increase.

• Adjusted EBITDA improved to 15.8% of revenue.

• Gross margin increased to 44.9% of revenue.

• Cash flow from operations was $21.3 million.

Negative

• Revenue growth projections for Q2 2024 may fall short of expectations.

• There is a slight increase in diluted net income per share for Q2 2024.

• Non-GAAP net income may not meet anticipated levels in the next quarter.

Insights

Financial Analyst

Protolabs' reported revenue increase of 1.6% year-over-year, while modest, demonstrates stability in their business model. The 39% growth in Network Revenue is particularly noteworthy, indicating strong demand for their digital manufacturing services. The improvement in net income from $2.7 million to $5.3 million reflects effective cost management and operational efficiency. The increase in non-GAAP earnings per share from $0.30 to $0.40 suggests a healthier financial position that may appeal to investors looking for earnings quality. A gross margin improvement from 42.7% to 44.9% points to better cost control and potential pricing power. However, investors should be cautious of the wide guidance range for Q2, as it may indicate uncertainty about near-term performance.

Market Research Analyst

The 22,466 customer contacts and a 5.3% increase in revenue per contact suggest Protolabs is not only retaining but also growing its customer base effectively, possibly through its hybrid model. This model combining digital services with traditional manufacturing could be resonating with customers looking for flexible solutions. The 44.9% gross margin, higher than last year's 42.7%, signals strength in their business model and potential for future profitability. The anticipated revenue range for the next quarter, however, should be viewed with caution as it may signal volatility or uncertainty in the market or Protolabs' operations.

Total Revenue of $128 Million; Protolabs Network Revenue up 39% YoY to $24 Million

GAAP Earnings Per Share of $0.20, Non-GAAP Earnings Per Share of $0.40

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Proto Labs, Inc. ("Protolabs" or the "Company") (NYSE: PRLB), the world’s leading provider of digital manufacturing services, today announced financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024.

First Quarter 2024 Financial Highlights:

• Revenue was $127.9 million, a 1.6% increase compared to the first quarter of 2023.
• Revenue generated from Protolabs Network was $23.9 million, a 38.9% increase compared to the first quarter of 2023.
• Net income was $5.3 million, or $0.20 per diluted share, compared to $2.7 million, or $0.10 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2023.
• Non-GAAP net income was $10.4 million, or $0.40 per diluted share, compared to $7.9 million, or $0.30 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2023. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below.
• EBITDA was $15.7 million, or 12.3% of revenue. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below.
• Adjusted EBITDA was $20.2 million, or 15.8% of revenue, compared to $17.8 million, or 14.1% of revenue, in the first quarter of 2023. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below.

"We demonstrated strong financial and operational results in the first quarter," said Rob Bodor, President and Chief Executive Officer. "We are encouraged by our progress to-date and remain focused on driving profitable growth for the full year 2024. As we continue to execute against our strategy, we remain confident in our ability to increase the number of customers using our hybrid model and drive higher revenue per customer through larger orders in all services. We look forward to comprehensively serving our customers, driving growth and profitability, and increasing value for shareholders."

Dan Schumacher, Chief Financial Officer, commented, "Our results were driven by increased order growth relative to the beginning of the year as well as strong performance in our higher-margin Factory business. We remain committed to returning capital to shareholders as we repurchased $16.0 million of common stock in the quarter, equivalent to 85% of free cash flow."

Additional First Quarter 2024 Highlights:

• Customer contact information
  • Protolabs served 22,466 customer contacts during the quarter.
  • Revenue per customer contact increased 5.3% year-over-year to $5,693.
• Gross margin was 44.9% of revenue, compared to 42.7% of revenue in the first quarter of 2023.
• Non-GAAP gross margin was 45.6% of revenue, compared to 43.4% of revenue in the first quarter of 2023. See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below.
• Cash flow from operations was $21.3 million in the first quarter of 2024.
• Cash and investments balance was $112.9 million as of March 31, 2024.

Second Quarter 2024 Outlook

For the second quarter of 2024, the Company expects to generate revenue between $122 million and $130 million.

The Company expects second quarter 2024 diluted net income per share between $0.11 and $0.19, and non-GAAP diluted net income per share between $0.30 and $0.38. See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The Company has included non-GAAP revenue growth by region and by service line that excludes the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates (collectively, “non-GAAP revenue growth”). Management believes these metrics, when viewed in conjunction with the comparable GAAP metrics, are useful in evaluating the underlying business trends and ongoing operating performance of the Company.

The Company has included earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) and EBITDA, adjusted for stock-based compensation expense, unrealized (gain) loss on foreign currency and costs related to the Japan closure activities (collectively, “Adjusted EBITDA”), in this press release to provide investors with additional information regarding the Company’s financial results. The Company has also included earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization margin (“EBITDA margin”) and EBITDA margin, adjusted for stock-based compensation expense, unrealized (gain) loss on foreign currency and costs related to the Japan closure activities (collectively, “Adjusted EBITDA margin”), in this press release to provide investors with additional information regarding the Company’s financial results.

The Company has included non-GAAP gross margin, adjusted for stock-based compensation expense and amortization expense in this press release to provide investors with additional information regarding the Company’s financial results.

The Company has included non-GAAP operating margin, adjusted for stock-based compensation expense, amortization expense and costs related to the closure of Japan (collectively, “non-GAAP operating margin”), in this press release to provide investors with additional information regarding the Company’s financial results.

The Company has included non-GAAP net income, adjusted for stock-based compensation expense, amortization expense, unrealized (gain) loss on foreign currency and costs related to the closure of Japan (collectively, “non-GAAP net income”), in this press release to provide investors with additional information regarding the Company’s financial results.

The Company has provided below reconciliations of GAAP to non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP gross margin, non-GAAP operating margin, non-GAAP revenue growth by region and by service, and Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin, the most directly comparable measures calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. These non-GAAP measures are used by the Company’s management and board of directors to understand and evaluate operating performance and trends and provide useful measures for period-to-period comparisons of the Company’s business. Accordingly, the Company believes that these non-GAAP measures provide useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating operating results in the same manner as our management and board of directors.

Conference Call

The Company has scheduled a conference call to discuss its first quarter 2024 financial results and second quarter 2024 outlook today, May 3, 2024 at 8:30 a.m. EDT. To access the call in the U.S. please dial 877-709-8150 or outside the U.S. dial 201-689-8354 at least five minutes prior to the 8:30 a.m. EDT start time. No participant code is required. A simultaneous webcast of the call and accompanying presentation will be available via the investor relations section of the Protolabs website and the following link: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/44qaaegi/. A replay will be available for 14 days following the call on the investor relations section of the Protolabs website.

About Protolabs

Protolabs is the fastest and most comprehensive digital manufacturing service in the world. Our digital factories produce low-volume parts in days while Protolabs Network unlocks advanced capabilities and volume pricing through its highly vetted manufacturing partners. The result? One manufacturing source—from prototyping to production—for product developers, engineers, and supply chain teams across the globe. See what's next at protolabs.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements contained in this press release regarding matters that are not historical or current facts are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the results of Protolabs to be materially different than those expressed or implied in such statements. Certain of these risk factors and others are described in the “Risk Factors” section within reports filed with the SEC. Other unknown or unpredictable factors also could have material adverse effects on Protolabs’ future results. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date hereof. Protolabs cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Finally, Protolabs expressly disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

Proto Labs, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (In thousands)
	March 31, 2024			December 31, 2023
	(Unaudited)
Assets
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	92,804		$	83,790
Short-term marketable securities		16,875			19,013
Accounts receivable, net		77,849			72,848
Inventory		12,823			13,657
Income taxes receivable		644			2,228
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		9,425			9,124
Total current assets		210,420			200,660
Property and equipment, net		247,798			253,655
Goodwill		273,991			273,991
Other intangible assets, net		24,407			25,584
Long-term marketable securities		3,257			8,019
Operating lease assets		4,185			4,628
Finance lease assets		893			960
Other long-term assets		4,852			4,856
Total assets	$	769,803		$	772,353
Liabilities and shareholders' equity
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	$	15,256		$	15,636
Accrued compensation		16,239			15,292
Accrued liabilities and other		21,216			16,872
Current operating lease liabilities		1,549			1,585
Current finance lease liabilities		299			296
Income taxes payable		3,877			—
Total current liabilities		58,436			49,681
Long-term operating lease liabilities		2,588			3,008
Long-term finance lease liabilities		519			595
Long-term deferred tax liabilities		16,482			18,742
Other long-term liabilities		4,468			5,032
Shareholders' equity		687,310			695,295
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$	769,803		$	772,353

Proto Labs, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (In thousands, except share and per share amounts) (Unaudited)
	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2024			2023
Revenue
Injection Molding	$	52,663		$	51,948
CNC Machining		49,932			48,104
3D Printing		21,582			21,325
Sheet Metal		3,553			4,248
Other Revenue		160			234
Total Revenue		127,890			125,859
Cost of revenue		70,423			72,083
Gross profit		57,467			53,776
Operating expenses
Marketing and sales		23,160			22,451
Research and development		11,167			10,677
General and administrative		16,313			16,833
Closure of Japan business		—			66
Total operating expenses		50,640			50,027
Income from operations		6,827			3,749
Other income, net		899			1,290
Income before income taxes		7,726			5,039
Provision for income taxes		2,458			2,380
Net income	$	5,268		$	2,659
Net income per share:
Basic	$	0.21		$	0.10
Diluted	$	0.20		$	0.10
Shares used to compute net income per share:
Basic		25,624,949			26,580,279
Diluted		25,784,987			26,605,787

Proto Labs, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (In thousands) (Unaudited)
	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2024				2023
Operating activities
Net income	$	5,268			$	2,659
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		9,103				9,388
Stock-based compensation expense		4,276				3,695
Deferred taxes		(2,247	)			(3,096	)
Interest on finance lease obligations		10				287
Gain on disposal of property and equipment		(22	)			—
Other		63				(46	)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities		4,887				9,691
Net cash provided by operating activities		21,338				22,578
Investing activities
Purchases of property, equipment and other capital assets		(2,587	)			(3,441	)
Proceeds from sales of property, equipment and other capital assets		22				194
Proceeds from call redemptions and maturities of marketable securities		6,984				7,630
Net cash provided by investing activities		4,419				4,383
Financing activities
Purchases of shares withheld for tax obligations		(533	)			(401	)
Repurchases of common stock		(16,013	)			(21,119	)
Principal repayments of finance lease obligations		(73	)			(82	)
Net cash used in financing activities		(16,619	)			(21,602	)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		(124	)			134
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents		9,014				5,493
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		83,790				56,558
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	92,804			$	62,051

Proto Labs, Inc. Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Net Income per Share (In thousands, except share and per share amounts) (Unaudited)
	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2024				2023
Non-GAAP net income, adjusted for stock-based compensation expense, amortization expense, unrealized (gain) loss on foreign currency and costs related to Japan closure activities
GAAP net income	$	5,268			$	2,659
Add back:
Stock-based compensation expense		4,276				3,695
Amortization expense		987				1,526
Unrealized (gain) loss on foreign currency		237				(71	)
Costs related to Japan closure activities		—				66
Total adjustments 1		5,500				5,216
Income tax benefits on adjustments 2		(354	)			(2	)
Non-GAAP net income	$	10,414			$	7,873
Non-GAAP net income per share:
Basic	$	0.41			$	0.30
Diluted	$	0.40			$	0.30
Shares used to compute non-GAAP net income per share:
Basic		25,624,949				26,580,279
Diluted		25,784,987				26,605,787

1	Stock-based compensation expense, amortization expense, unrealized (gain) loss on foreign currency and costs related to Japan closure activities were included in the following GAAP consolidated statement of operations categories:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2024			2023
Cost of revenue	$	801		$	808
Marketing and sales		833			692
Research and development		692			572
General and administrative		2,937			3,149
Closure of Japan business		—			66
Total operating expenses		4,462			4,479
Other income (loss), net		237			(71	)
Total adjustments	$	5,500		$	5,216

2

For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, income tax effects were calculated using the effective tax rate for the relevant jurisdictions. The Company's non-GAAP tax rates differ from its GAAP tax rates due primarily to the mix of activity incurred in domestic and foreign tax jurisdictions and removing effective tax rate benefits from stock-based compensation activity in the quarter.

Proto Labs, Inc. Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Gross Margin (In thousands) (Unaudited)
	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2024				2023
Revenue	$	127,890			$	125,859
Gross profit		57,467				53,776
GAAP gross margin		44.9	%			42.7	%
Add back:
Stock-based compensation expense		459				466
Amortization expense		342				342
Total adjustments		801				808
Non-GAAP gross profit	$	58,268			$	54,584
Non-GAAP gross margin		45.6	%			43.4	%

Proto Labs, Inc. Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Operating Margin (In thousands) (Unaudited)
	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2024				2023
Revenue	$	127,890			$	125,859
Income from operations		6,827				3,749
GAAP operating margin		5.3	%			3.0	%
Add back:
Stock-based compensation expense		4,276				3,695
Amortization expense		987				1,526
Costs related to Japan closure activities		—				66
Total adjustments		5,263				5,287
Non-GAAP income from operations	$	12,090			$	9,036
Non-GAAP operating margin		9.5	%			7.2	%

Proto Labs, Inc. Reconciliation of GAAP Net Income to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA (In thousands) (Unaudited)
	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2024				2023
Revenue	$	127,890			$	125,859
GAAP net income		5,268				2,659
GAAP net income margin		4.1	%			2.1	%
Add back:
Amortization expense	$	987			$	1,526
Depreciation expense		8,116				7,862
Interest income, net		(1,112	)			(350	)
Provision for income taxes		2,458				2,380
EBITDA		15,717				14,077
EBITDA Margin		12.3	%			11.2	%
Add back:
Stock-based compensation expense		4,276				3,695
Unrealized (gain) loss on foreign currency		237				(71	)
Costs related to Japan closure activities		—				66
Total adjustments		4,513				3,690
Adjusted EBITDA	$	20,230			$	17,767
Adjusted EBITDA Margin		15.8	%			14.1	%

Proto Labs, Inc. Comparison of GAAP to Non-GAAP Revenue Growth by Region (In thousands) (Unaudited)
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2024										Three Months Ended March 31, 2023			% Change2			% Change Organic3
	GAAP			Foreign Currency1				Non-GAAP			GAAP
Revenues
United States	$	101,481		$	—			$	101,481		$	97,746		3.8	%		3.8	%
Europe		26,409			(907	)			25,502			28,113		(6.1	%)		(9.3	%)
Total revenue	$	127,890		$	(907	)		$	126,983		$	125,859		1.6	%		0.9	%

1	Revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2024 has been recalculated using 2023 foreign currency exchange rates in effect during comparable periods to provide information useful in evaluating the underlying business trends excluding the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates.
2	This column presents the percentage change from GAAP revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2023 to GAAP revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2024.
3	This column presents the percentage change from GAAP revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2023 to non-GAAP revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2024 (as recalculated using the foreign currency exchange rates in effect during the three months ended March 31, 2023) in order to provide a constant-currency comparison.

Proto Labs, Inc. Comparison of GAAP to Non-GAAP Revenue Growth by Service Line (In thousands) (Unaudited)
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2024										Three Months Ended March 31, 2023			% Change2			% Change Organic3
	GAAP			Foreign Currency1				Non-GAAP			GAAP
Revenues
Injection Molding	$	52,663		$	(408	)		$	52,255		$	51,948		1.4	%		0.6	%
CNC Machining		49,932			(308	)			49,624			48,104		3.8			3.2
3D Printing		21,582			(187	)			21,395			21,325		1.2			0.3
Sheet Metal		3,553			(4	)			3,549			4,248		(16.4	)		(16.5	)
Other Revenue		160			—				160			234		(31.6	)		(31.6	)
Total Revenue	$	127,890		$	(907	)		$	126,983		$	125,859		1.6	%		0.9	%

1	Revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2024 has been recalculated using 2023 foreign currency exchange rates in effect during comparable periods to provide information useful in evaluating the underlying business trends excluding the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates.
2	This column presents the percentage change from GAAP revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2023 to GAAP revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2024.
3	This column presents the percentage change from GAAP revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2023 to non-GAAP revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2024 (as recalculated using the foreign currency exchange rates in effect during the three months ended March 31, 2023) in order to provide a constant-currency comparison.

Proto Labs, Inc. Customer Contact Information (Unaudited)
	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2024			2023
Customer contacts		22,466			23,287
Revenue per customer contact	$	5,693		$	5,405

Proto Labs, Inc. Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Guidance (In thousands, except per share and per share amounts) (Unaudited)
	Q2 2024 Outlook
	Low			High
GAAP diluted net income per share	$	0.11			0.19
Add back:
Stock-based compensation expense		0.15			0.15
Amortization expense		0.03			0.03
Unrealized (gain) loss on foreign currency		0.00			0.00
Total adjustments		0.18			0.18
Non-GAAP diluted net income per share	$	0.30		$	0.38

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240503095196/en/

Investor Relations Contacts

Protolabs

Ryan Johnsrud, 612-225-4873

Manager – Investor Relations and FP&A

ryan.johnsrud@protolabs.com



Gateway Group, Inc.

949-574-3860

PRLB@gateway-grp.com



Media Contact

Protolabs

Brent Renneke, 763-479-7704

Marketing Communications Manager

brent.renneke@protolabs.com

Source: Proto Labs, Inc.

FAQ

What was Protolabs' total revenue for Q1 2024?

Protolabs reported a total revenue of $128 million for Q1 2024.

How much was the Protolabs Network revenue for Q1 2024?

Protolabs Network revenue for Q1 2024 was $24 million, up 39% YoY.

What were the GAAP and non-GAAP earnings per share figures for Q1 2024?

The GAAP earnings per share for Q1 2024 were $0.20, while the non-GAAP earnings per share stood at $0.40.

What was the adjusted EBITDA for Q1 2024?

The adjusted EBITDA for Q1 2024 was $20.2 million, accounting for 15.8% of revenue.

What was the cash flow from operations for Q1 2024?

Protolabs reported a cash flow from operations of $21.3 million for Q1 2024.