SAN DIEGO, Oct. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- CardioDynamics , the innovator and leader of BioZ(R) Impedance Cardiography (ICG) technology, today reported financial results for fiscal third quarter 2008.
Key Financial Results of Third Quarter 2008 Compared with Third Quarter 2007
Third Quarter 2008 Operating Results Discussion
The Company reported a net sales increase of 8% to $6.1 million for the third fiscal quarter 2008 and a 15% year-to-date sales increase to $18.0 million, up from $15.7 million for the same period a year ago. Third quarter ICG sales growth was driven by a combination of a 12% increase in third quarter ICG device sales along with a 10% increase in the average unit sales price of our ICG Monitors compared with the third quarter of 2007. This increase in average unit selling price is principally due to a proportionately greater number of higher priced BioZ Dx systems sold during the third quarter of 2008, as compared to the third quarter of 2007 and lower sales return reserve requirements.
Gross margin as a percentage of sales increased from 72% to 75% in the third quarter of 2008, largely due to a 10% average unit sales price improvement, lower inventory reserve requirements, reduced manufacturing overhead costs, and a reduction of sales returns reserve.
Operating expenses were reduced 8% (or $398,000) to $4.8 million, driven primarily by improved efficiencies, reduced personnel expenses, lower accounting fees and bad debt provisions, all part of an ongoing cost containment focus in support of the Company's plan to regain profitability.
The operating loss improved 78% to $254,000, compared to an operating loss of $1.2 million for the same period in 2007. The year-to-date operating loss was $1.6 million, a 61% improvement from $4.0 million in the same nine month period of 2007.
CEO Comments and Outlook
Michael K. Perry, Chief Executive Officer of CardioDynamics, stated, "We were very pleased with our performance in the third quarter, particularly the rate of improvement we are making in reducing the operating loss. Excluding non-cash expenses for depreciation, amortization and stock option compensation, we experienced positive income from operations for the first time in 15 quarters and one quarter ahead of plan. Achieving our seventh consecutive quarterly year-over-year revenue growth and 15% growth year-to-date is encouraging and a testament to the continued growth potential for ICG."
Perry continued, "Our goal remains to achieve positive operating cash flow in the fourth quarter of 2008 and positive operating cash flow for our full 2009 fiscal year. We'll continue to make judicious investments that drive increased revenue growth and help establish ICG in the treatment guidelines for heart failure and hypertension in the coming years."
Conference Call Information
Michael K. Perry, Chief Executive Officer, and Steve P. Loomis, Chief Financial Officer, will host a summary of CardioDynamics' third quarter 2008 results in a conference call today, Thursday, October 9, 2008, at 4:30 p.m. (EDT). To access the conference call, dial 800-346-7359 (Code 7784). International participants can call 973-528-0008 (Code 7784). A replay of the call will be available for one month following the call at 800-332-6854 (Code 7784). The international replay number is 973-528-0005 (Code 7784). The Internet webcast can be accessed through the Investor Relations section of the Company's website at http://www.cdic.com or at http://tinyurl.com/4dknlk.
About CardioDynamics
CardioDynamics International Corporation , the ICG Company, is the innovator and leader of an important medical technology called impedance cardiography (ICG). The Company develops, manufactures and markets noninvasive ICG products and ICG electrodes. The Company's ICG Systems are being used by physicians around the world to help battle the number one killer of men and women--cardiovascular disease. Partners include GE Healthcare, Philips Medical Systems and Mindray. For additional information, please refer to the Company's Web site at http://www.cdic.com.
Forward-Looking (Safe Harbor) Statement
Except for historical and factual information contained herein, this press release contains forward-looking statements, such as revenue growth rates and cash flow projections, operating performance and acceptance of ICG technology, the accuracy of which is necessarily subject to uncertainties and risks, including the Company's ability to meet its short and long-term liquidity and capital needs, primary dependence on the BioZ(R) product line, and various uncertainties characteristic of early stage companies, as well as other risks detailed in the Company's filings with the SEC, including its 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Future events and actual results could differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Readers are urged not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update the disclosures contained in this press release.
CONTACT: Steve Loomis, Chief Financial Officer of CardioDynamics,
1-800-778-4825, ext. 1015, sloomis@cardiodynamics.com
Web site: http://www.cdic.com/
