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Fluidigm Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2018 Financial Results

Fourth quarter revenue increased 17 percent to $32.3 million

Mass cytometry revenue growth of 48 percent in fourth quarter

Full year 2018 revenue increased 11 percent to $113.0 million
Including equity offering, ending cash of $95.4 million

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Feb. 07, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Fluidigm Corporation (NASDAQ:FLDM) today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2018.

Financial Highlights

Fourth Quarter 2018

Full Year 2018

“We experienced exceptional global revenue growth underpinned by strong operational execution in the fourth quarter,” said Chris Linthwaite, President and CEO.

“Demand for the Hyperion™ Imaging System, Helios™, and associated consumables reflects sustained momentum in the adoption rate of mass cytometry in the fourth quarter. The general trend in multi-system placements continues, driven by immunology-related research in pharma and biotech. Last month, a major contract research organization announced an expansion of its mass cytometry capacity. Today, we announced a consortium project with pharma companies that are relying on our pioneering mass cytometry and Imaging Mass Cytometry™ systems for insights on immune function,” added Linthwaite.

“For the full year, we achieved double-digit revenue growth, expanding our markets and building recurring revenue through new content and partnerships. Financial discipline has been an important pillar and we have strengthened our balance sheet this year through a convertible debt exchange and our recent equity offering. We are well-positioned to support accelerating growth in 2019 as we execute on a multi-omic-based strategy to provide meaningful insights in health and disease.”

A full reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP measures can be found in the tables of this news release.

Fourth Quarter 2018 Results

Revenue by category:

Category

Revenue by Category

Year-over-Year
Change
% of Total
Revenue
Instruments $13.6 million 21 % 42 %
Consumables $13.5 million 15 % 42 %
Service $5.2 million 9 % 16 %

Revenue by market:

Total revenue by geographic area:

Geographic Area

Revenue by
Geography
Year-over-Year
Change
% of Total
Revenue
Americas $14.2 million 19 % 44 %
EMEA $10.2 million 7 % 32 %
Asia Pacific $7.9 million 26 % 24 %

Product margin:

GAAP product margin was 56.4 percent in the fourth quarter of 2018 compared to 48.0 percent in the year ago period and 52.0 percent in the third quarter. Non-GAAP product margin was 69.6 percent in the fourth quarter of 2018 compared to 63.4 percent in the year ago period and 66.0 percent in the third quarter. The year-over-year increases in product margins were due to higher plant utilization and favorable product mix. Sequentially, increases in product margins were primarily due to favorable product mix and higher plant utilization. In the case of GAAP margin, year-over-year and sequential increases in product margins were coupled with fixed amortization over higher  revenue.

Cash, cash equivalents, and investments as of December 31, 2018:

Cash, cash equivalents, and investments as of December 31, 2018, were $95.4 million, including $59.5 of net proceeds from the company’s public offering of common stock in the fourth quarter. Cash, cash equivalents, and investments as of September 30, 2018, were $35.8 million.

Operational and Business Progress

Market expansion:

Significant publications:

New product innovation and partnership agreements:

Full Year 2018 Results

Revenue by category:

Category

Revenue by Category

Year-over-Year
Change
% of Total
Revenue
Instruments $45.5 million 7 % 40 %
Consumables $48.2 million 15 % 43 %
Service $19.3 million 11 % 17 %

Revenue by market:

Total revenue by geographic area:

Geographic Area

Revenue by
Geography
Year-over-Year
Change
% of Total
Revenue
Americas $51.2 million 4 % 46 %
EMEA $36.6 million 12 % 32 %
Asia-Pacific $25.2 million 26 % 22 %

Approximate active installed base at year-end 2018:

Active installed base for selected instruments 2018
Mass cytometry 240
Biomark™/Biomark HD and EP1™ 550
Access Array™ and Juno™ 200

2019 Guidance

Consumables pull-through 2019 ($000)
Mass cytometry $73 – $78
Biomark/Biomark HD and EP1 $44 – $50
Access Array and Juno $25 – $30

First Quarter 2019 Guidance  

Conference Call Information
Fluidigm will host a conference call today, February 7, 2019, at 2:00 p.m. PT (5:00 p.m. ET) to discuss fourth quarter and full year 2018 financial results and operational progress. Individuals interested in listening to the conference call may do so by dialing (877) 556-5248 for domestic callers, or (720) 545-0029 for international callers. Please reference Conference ID 2891608. A live webcast of the conference call will be available online from the Investor Relations page of the company’s website at http://investors.fluidigm.com/events.cfm. The link will not be active until 1:45 p.m. PT (4:45 p.m. ET) on February 7, 2019.

After the live webcast, the call will be archived on Fluidigm’s Investor Relations page at http://investors.fluidigm.com/. In addition, a telephone replay of the teleconference will be available 90 minutes after the end of the call. The replay dial-in numbers are (855) 859-2056 for domestic callers and (404) 537-3406 for international callers. Please use the conference ID number: 2891608. The telephone replay will be available until February 14.

Statement Regarding Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information
Fluidigm has presented certain financial information in accordance with U.S. GAAP and also on a non-GAAP basis for the three-month periods and years ended December 31, 2018, and December 31, 2017, as well as projected for the first quarter of 2019. Management believes that non-GAAP financial measures, taken in conjunction with GAAP financial measures, provide useful information for both management and investors by excluding certain non-cash and other expenses that are not indicative of the company’s core operating results. Management uses non-GAAP measures to compare the company’s performance relative to forecasts and strategic plans and to benchmark the company’s performance externally against competitors. Our estimates of forward-looking non-GAAP operating expenses exclude estimates for stock-based compensation expense and depreciation and amortization; loss on disposal of property and equipment; future changes relating to developed and acquired technologies; other intangible assets; and income taxes, among other items, certain of which are presented in the tables accompanying our earnings release. The time and amount of certain material items needed to estimate non-GAAP financial measures are inherently unpredictable or outside of our control. Material changes to any of these items could have a significant effect on guidance and future GAAP results. Non-GAAP information is not prepared under a comprehensive set of accounting rules and should only be used to supplement an understanding of the company’s operating results as reported under U.S. GAAP. Fluidigm encourages investors to carefully consider its results under GAAP, as well as its supplemental non-GAAP information and the reconciliation between these presentations, to more fully understand its business. Reconciliations between GAAP and non-GAAP operating results are presented in the accompanying tables of this release.

Use of Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, among others, statements regarding revenue growth in 2019, the execution of product strategies and anticipated effect on our business, anticipated benefits of collaborations and contractual relationships, consumables pull-through for 2019,  and projected revenues, expenses, and cash flows for the first quarter of 2019. Forward‑looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from currently anticipated results, including but not limited to challenges inherent in developing, manufacturing, launching, marketing, and selling new products; risks relating to reliance on sales of capital equipment for a significant proportion of revenues in each quarter; potential product performance and quality issues; the possible loss of key employees, customers, or suppliers; intellectual property risks; competition; uncertainties in contractual relationships; Fluidigm research and development, sales, marketing, and distribution plans and capabilities; reduction in research and development spending or changes in budget priorities by customers; interruptions or delays in the supply of components or materials for, or manufacturing of, its products; seasonal variations in customer operations; unanticipated increases in costs or expenses; and risks associated with international operations. Information on these and additional risks and uncertainties and other information affecting Fluidigm’s business and operating results is contained in the Fluidigm Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, and in its other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Fluidigm Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2018. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. Fluidigm disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements except as may be required by law.

About Fluidigm
Fluidigm (NASDAQ:FLDM) is an industry-leading biotechnology tools provider with a vision to improve life through comprehensive health insight. We focus on the most pressing needs in translational and clinical research, including cancer, immunology, and immunotherapy. Using proprietary CyTOF® and microfluidics technologies, we develop, manufacture, and market multi-omic solutions to drive meaningful insights in health and disease, identify biomarkers to inform decisions, and accelerate the development of more effective therapies. Our customers are leading academic, government, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and plant and animal research laboratories worldwide. Together with them, we strive to increase the quality of life for all. For more information, visit fluidigm.com.

Fluidigm, the Fluidigm logo, CyTOF, and Access Array, Biomark, C1, EP1, Helios, Hyperion, Imaging Mass Cytometry, and Juno are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Fluidigm Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the sole property of their respective owners. Fluidigm products are provided for Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

Contact:

Agnes Lee
Vice President, Investor Relations
Fluidigm Corporation
650 416 7423
agnes.lee@fluidigm.com

   
  FLUIDIGM CORPORATION
  CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
  (In thousands, except per share amounts)
  (Unaudited)
   
      Three Months Ended December 31,    Twelve Months Ended December 31,
        2018       2017       2018       2017  
  Revenue:              
     Instruments   $   13,660     $   11,322     $   45,491     $   42,505  
     Consumables       13,494         11,694         48,159         41,894  
    Product revenue       27,154         23,016         93,650         84,399  
    Service revenue       5,171         4,729         19,314         17,348  
    License revenue       –         –         –         190  
  Total revenue     32,325         27,745         112,964         101,937  
  Cost of revenue:              
    Cost of product revenue       11,844         11,979         44,861         45,039  
    Cost of service revenue       1,670         1,479         6,454         4,916  
  Total cost of revenue       13,514         13,458         51,315         49,955  
  Gross profit       18,811         14,287         61,649         51,982  
  Operating expenses:                
    Research and development       7,958         7,158         30,030         30,826  
    Selling, general and administrative       21,971         15,863         79,783         79,516  
  Total operating expenses       29,929         23,021         109,813         110,342  
  Loss from operations     (11,118 )       (8,734 )       (48,164 )       (58,360 )
  Interest expense     (4,069 )       (1,457 )       (13,893 )       (5,824 )
  Other income (loss), net       172         (186 )       637         385  
  Loss before income taxes       (15,015 )       (10,377 )       (61,420 )       (63,799 )
  Income tax benefit (loss)       240         (79 )       2,407         3,264  
  Net loss $   (14,775 )   $   (10,456 )   $   (59,013 )   $   (60,535 )
                   
  Net loss per share, basic and diluted $   (0.36 )   $   (0.27 )   $   (1.49 )   $   (1.84 )
                   
  Shares used in computing net loss per share, basic and diluted     41,489       38,704       39,652       32,980  
                   

 

FLUIDIGM CORPORATION  
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS  
(In thousands)  
   
             
          December 31, 2018   December 31, 2017 (1)  
                 
ASSETS            
Current assets:              
  Cash and cash equivalents       $   95,401   $   58,056  
  Short-term investments           –       5,080  
  Accounts receivable, net           16,651       15,049  
  Inventories           13,003       15,088  
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets           2,051       1,528  
Total current assets           127,106       94,801  
Property and equipment, net            8,825       12,301  
Other non-current assets           6,208       7,541  
Developed technology, net           57,400       68,600  
Goodwill             104,108       104,108  
Total assets       $   303,647   $   287,351  
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY            
Current liabilities:              
  Accounts payable       $   4,027   $   4,211  
  Accrued compensation and related benefits           14,470       10,535  
  Other accrued liabilities           7,621       8,490  
  Deferred revenue, current portion           11,464       10,238  
Total current liabilities           37,582       33,474  
Convertible notes, net           172,058       195,238  
Deferred tax liability, net           13,714       16,919  
Other non-current liabilities           8,177       10,785  
Total liabilities           231,531       256,416  
Total stockholders’ equity           72,116       30,935  
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity     $   303,647   $   287,351  
                 
(1) Derived from audited consolidated financial statements    
                 

 

FLUIDIGM CORPORATION  
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS  
(In thousands)  
(Unaudited)  
                   
            Twelve Months Ended December 31,   
              2018       2017    
Operating activities        
Net loss       $   (59,013 )   $   (60,535 )  
Depreciation and amortization     5,372         7,409    
Stock-based compensation expense     11,023         9,092    
Amortization of developed technology               11,200         11,200    
Amortization of debt discounts, premiums and issuance costs     8,379         287    
Loss on disposal of property and equipment     141         135    
Other non-cash items     175         (890 )  
Changes in assets and liabilities, net     (2,478 )       9,204    
Net cash used in operating activities     (25,201 )       (24,098 )  
                   
Investing activities        
Purchases of investments     (1,450 )       (6,276 )  
Proceeds from sales and maturities of investments     6,541         25,550    
Purchases of intangible assets    –          (50 )  
Purchases of property and equipment     (372 )       (1,566 )  
Net cash provided by investing activities     4,719         17,658    
                   
Financing activities        
Payment of debt and equity issuance costs     (2,862 )       –    
Proceeds from issuance of common stock     59,469         28,793    
Proceeds from employee equity programs, net     1,053         204    
Net cash provided by financing activities     57,660         28,997    
                   
Effect of foreign exchange rate fluctuations on cash and cash equivalents     167         454    
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents     37,345         23,011    
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period     58,056         35,045    
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $   95,401     $   58,056    
                   

 

FLUIDIGM CORPORATION  
RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP FINANCIAL INFORMATION   
(In thousands, except per share amounts)  
(Unaudited)  
   
      Three Months Ended December 31,    Twelve Months Ended December 31,   
          2018       2017       2018       2017    
                       
Net loss (GAAP)       $   (14,775 )   $   (10,456 )   $   (59,013 )   $   (60,535 )  
Stock-based compensation expense         4,966         1,995         11,023         9,092    
Amortization of developed technology  (a)       2,800         2,800         11,200         11,200    
Depreciation and amortization           1,248         1,457         5,372         5,824    
Interest expense (b)           4,069         1,514         13,893         7,091    
Benefit from acquisition related income taxes (c)        (835 )       (433 )       (3,360 )       (2,968 )  
Loss on disposal of property and equipment       141         134         141         135    
Net loss (Non-GAAP)       $   (2,386 )   $   (2,989 )   $   (20,744 )   $   (30,161 )  
Shares used in net loss per share calculation –                   
basic and diluted (GAAP and Non-GAAP)       41,489         38,704         39,652         32,980    
                       
Net loss per share – basic and diluted (GAAP)   $   (0.36 )   $   (0.27 )   $   (1.49 )   $   (1.84 )  
Net loss per share – basic and diluted (Non-GAAP)   $   (0.06 )   $   (0.08 )   $   (0.52 )   $   (0.91 )  
                       
                       
                       
ITEMIZED RECONCILIATION BETWEEN GAAP AND NON-GAAP PRODUCT MARGIN  
                       
        Three Months Ended December 31,   Twelve Months Ended December 31,  
          2018       2017       2018       2017    
Product margin (GAAP)       $   15,310     $   11,037     $   48,789     $   39,360    
Amortization of developed technology  (a)       2,800         2,800         11,200         11,200    
Depreciation and amortization (d)          488         538         1,979         2,165    
Stock-based compensation expense (d)       303         223         853         1,077    
Product margin (Non-GAAP)       $   18,901     $   14,598     $   62,821     $   53,802    
                       
Product margin percentage (GAAP)       56.4 %     48.0 %     52.1 %     46.6 %  
Product margin percentage (Non-GAAP)     69.6 %     63.4 %     67.1 %     63.7 %  
                       
                       
ITEMIZED RECONCILIATION BETWEEN GAAP AND NON-GAAP OPERATING EXPENSES  
                       
        Three Months Ended December 31,   Twelve Months Ended December 31,  
          2018       2017       2018       2017    
Operating expenses (GAAP)       $   29,929     $   23,021     $   109,813     $   110,342    
Stock-based compensation expense (e)       (4,663 )       (1,772 )       (10,170 )       (8,015 )  
Depreciation and amortization (e)         (760 )       (976 )       (3,393 )       (4,926 )  
Loss on disposal of property and equipment (e)       (141 )       (134 )       (141 )       (135 )  
Operating expenses (Non-GAAP)     $   24,365     $   20,139     $   96,109     $   97,266    
                       
                       
                       
ITEMIZED RECONCILIATION BETWEEN GAAP AND NON-GAAP LOSS FROM OPERATIONS  
                       
        Three Months Ended December 31,    Twelve Months Ended December 31,   
          2018       2017       2018       2017    
Loss from operations (GAAP)       $   (11,118 )   $   (8,734 )   $   (48,164 )   $   (58,360 )  
Stock-based compensation expense          4,966         1,995         11,023         9,092    
Amortization of developed technology  (a)       2,800         2,800         11,200         11,200    
Depreciation and amortization (e)         1,248         1,514         5,372         7,091    
Loss on disposal of property and equipment (e)       141         134         141         135    
Loss from operations (Non-GAAP)     $   (1,963 )   $   (2,291 )   $   (20,427 )   $   (30,842 )  
                       
                       
(a) represents amortization of developed technology in connection with the DVS acquisition                
(b) represents interest expense, primarily on convertible debt                
(c) represents the tax impact on the purchase of intangible assets in connection with the DVS acquisition              
(d) represents expense associated with cost of product revenue                 
(e) represents expense associated with research and development, selling, general and administrative activities