Syneron Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2008 Results

YOKNEAM, ISRAEL--(Marketwire - February 12, 2009) - Syneron Medical Ltd. (NASDAQ: ELOS), an innovator in the development, marketing and sales of elos™ combined-energy medical aesthetic devices, today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and the full year ended December 31st, 2008.

Revenues for the fourth quarter of 2008 were $14.2 million, reflecting the direct impact on the aesthetic sector of the global economic recession and further credit tightening. This compares with revenues of $38.1 million for the fourth quarter of 2007.

Syneron’s gross margins fell to 55% in the fourth quarter. Gross margins were heavily impacted mainly by a $2 million charge for obsolete and excess inventory, the effect of fixed overhead costs allocated over lower sales, and the weakening of the euro.

Syneron recorded a net loss in the fourth quarter of $15.9 million on a GAAP basis. The net loss includes approximately $2 million in costs associated with the workforce reductions and closure of offices; approximately $2 million in provisions for excess and obsolete inventory; $3.1 million in accruals for bad debt; and $2.2 million in stock-based compensation expenses. The GAAP result for the fourth quarter is equivalent to a loss of $0.58 per basic and diluted share. On a non-GAAP basis, excluding stock-based compensation expenses, net loss in the fourth quarter was $13.7 million, a loss of $0.50 per basic and diluted share.

For the full year 2008, revenues were $115.0 million, compared to $141.0 million for the full year in 2007. Net profit on a GAAP basis was $5.6 million, equivalent to $0.20 per diluted share. GAAP net profit in 2007 was $31.2 million, equivalent to $1.12 per diluted share. On a non-GAAP basis, excluding stock-based compensation, net profit for 2008 was $13.2 million, or $0.47 per diluted share, compared to $39.0 million (EPS of $1.40) in 2007.

Syneron’s balance sheet and cash position remain strong. Syneron’s cash position (including long-term deposits) totaled $217.1 million as of December 31, 2008 and Syneron continues to have no debt. Trade receivables fell to $32.6 million from $44.8 million in the third quarter of 2008. Shareholders’ equity was $242.6 million.

Reflecting on the past year, Syneron’s Chairman, Shimon Eckhouse, said, “2008 was the most challenging year in Syneron’s 8-year history, particularly in the fourth quarter when the aesthetic sector was impacted by an acute drop in both doctors’ confidence and credit availability. Facing these changing conditions we have been focused on significant reduction in our expenses and changing our business model, as well as strengthening our management team. Our unique technology and products, and strong balance sheet, will play a key role in turning these challenges into an opportunity for Syneron’s growth.”

Commenting on the financial programs to restore growth, CFO Fabian Tenenbaum said, “In the fourth quarter we implemented an aggressive two-pronged strategy to address the fall in sales and margins, and to build a solid base for future growth. First, to make expenses more responsive to volatile sales levels, we made major adjustments to our cost structure, foremost of which was a 20% workforce reduction and the completion of office closures in Canada, Europe and Chicago. The restructuring program is expected to achieve 20% operational costs savings in 2009 compared to 2008.

“Second, to enable physicians to overcome current credit limitations,” continued Mr. Tenenbaum, “we are expanding the scope of the new business model introduced with the eMatrix in December. In the new business model, doctors pay a significantly lower cost of entry for a new device and, instead, pay monthly fees and consumable costs. Not only does this model benefit Syneron with a recurring revenue flow, but it also provides an avenue of continued access to new customers who might otherwise not consider a purchase during this period.”

Looking forward, Syneron’s newly appointed CEO, Louis Scafuri, remarked, “Clearly we have significant economic and business challenges to surmount in 2009. I am very excited that as the new CEO of Syneron, I have the opportunity to build upon the changes which were initiated in the past quarter to support higher future growth. My foremost task in 2009 will be to direct Syneron management, sales and marketing, and R&D teams to use this year constructively and efficiently to develop new products and new marketing and sales tools aimed at confronting the tests of this economic cycle, as well as renewing the unique profitability of this extraordinary medical device company.”

Corporate highlights of 2008 included:

-- Launch of LipoLite™ laser-assisted lipolysis device and introduction of LipoLite Energy Access Program (LEAP) -- first physician subscription program -- Launch of Matrix RF™ fractional ablative applicator and eMatrix™ portable skin resurfacing system -- Establishment of Syneron China -- Acquisition of Inlight Corp, a laser technology development and research firm -- Investment in Rakuto Bio Technologies Ltd. (RBT) developer of advanced whole skin complexion whitening treatment -- FDA clearance of the advanced tooth whitening technology developed by Fluorinex in which Syneron made a strategic investment in 2007 -- Continued collaboration with Procter and Gamble Inc. in developing home use products for the enhancement of skin appearance. 

Conference call

Syneron management will host its fourth quarter earnings conference call today at 8:30am ET. Syneron will be broadcasting live via the Investor Relations section of its website, www.syneron.com. To access the call, enter the Syneron website, then click on the Investors Relations Overview and select “Q4 2008 Results Conference Call.” Participants are encouraged to log on at least 15 minutes prior to the conference call in order to download the applicable audio software. The call can be heard live or with an on-line replay which will follow. Those interested in participating in the call and the question and answer session should dial 877-340-7913 in the US, and 719-325-4845 from overseas. The conference passcode is: 3159004.

Use of Non-GAAP Measures

This press release provides financial measures for net loss, net loss per diluted share, net profit and net profit per diluted share, which exclude an expense charge related to stock-based compensation and are therefore not calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Management believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide meaningful supplemental information regarding our performance because it reflects our operational results and enhances management’s and investors’ ability to evaluate the Company’s net profit and net profit per diluted share. The presentation of this non-GAAP financial information is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP. Management uses both GAAP and non-GAAP measures when evaluating the business internally and, therefore, felt it important to make these non-GAAP adjustments available to investors. A reconciliation of each GAAP to non-GAAP financial measure discussed in this press release is contained in the accompanying financial tables.

About Syneron

Syneron Medical Ltd. (NASDAQ: ELOS) manufactures and distributes medical aesthetic devices that are powered by the proprietary, patented elos combined-energy technology of Bi-Polar Radio Frequency and Light. The Company’s innovative elos technology provides the foundation for highly effective, safe and cost-effective systems that enable physicians to provide advanced solutions for a broad range of medical-aesthetic applications including hair removal, wrinkle reduction, rejuvenating the skin’s appearance through the treatment of superficial benign vascular and pigmented lesions, and the treatment of acne, leg veins and cellulite. Founded in 2000, the corporate, R&D, and manufacturing headquarters for Syneron Medical Ltd. is located in Israel. Syneron has offices and distributors throughout the world, including North American Headquarters and Logistics Support in Irvine, CA, and Asia-Pacific Headquarters in Hong Kong, which provide sales, service and support. Additional information can be found at www.syneron.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 relating to future events or our future performance, including statements with respect to our expectations regarding, but not limited to our profitability and maintaining a leadership position in core markets. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied in those forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to the risk associated with our ability to commercialize new products and identify new markets for our technology; ability to manage our growth, competition and pricing pressure, risks associated with our international operations, risks associated with regulatory qualifications or approvals, and risks related to our intellectual property. These risks and other factors are summarized under the heading “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 20-F/A for the year ended December 31, 2007, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 31, 2008. These factors are updated from time to time through the filing of reports and registration statements with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We do not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking information contained in this press release.

Syneron, the Syneron logo, elos, LipoLite and Matrix RF are trademarks of Syneron Medical Ltd. and may be registered in certain jurisdictions. elos (Electro-Optical Synergy) is a proprietary technology of Syneron Medical Ltd. All other names are the property of their respective owners.

 Syneron Medical Ltd. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME U.S. dollars in thousands, except per share data Three Months ended Twelve Months ended December 31, December 31, 2008 2007 2008 2007 (unaudited)(unaudited)(unaudited)(audited) ---------- ---------- ---------- --------- Revenues 14,174 38,066 114,979 140,996 Cost of Revenues 6,418 8,182 29,670 26,995 ---------- ---------- ---------- --------- Gross Profit 7,756 29,884 85,309 114,001 Operating expenses: Research and development 3,150 3,377 13,783 12,511 Selling and marketing 12,516 14,414 54,064 58,605 General and administrative 7,782 3,272 17,706 11,860 ---------- ---------- ---------- --------- Total operating expenses 23,448 21,063 85,553 82,976 ---------- ---------- ---------- --------- Operating (Loss) Income (15,692) 8,821 (244) 31,025 Financial (Loss) Income, net 636 (3,160) 3,862 3,254 ---------- ---------- ---------- --------- Income (Loss) before taxes on income (15,056) 5,661 3,618 34,279 Taxes on income 816 1,235 (2,009) 3,035 ---------- ---------- ---------- --------- Net (Loss) Income (15,872) 4,426 5,627 31,244 Basic net (Loss) Income per share (0.58) 0.16 0.21 1.13 Diluted net (Loss) Income per share (0.58) 0.16 0.20 1.12 ========= ========== ========== ========= Weighted average number of shares used in per share calculation (in thousands): Basic 27,460 27,699 27,410 27,690 Diluted 27,460 27,802 27,521 27,880 ========= ========== ========== ========= Syneron Medical Ltd. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS U.S. dollars in thousands December 31, December 31, 2008 2007 (unaudited) (audited) ------------- ------------- CURRENT ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents (*) 72,366 42,624 Available-for-sale marketable securities (*) 124,219 124,941 Trade receivables 32,637 40,741 Other accounts receivables and prepaid expenses 4,249 4,485 Inventories 12,660 9,465 ------------- ------------- Total Current Assets 246,131 222,256 LONG-TERM ASSETS Severance pay fund 107 225 Long-term deposits and others (*) 180 1,130 Long-term available-for-sale marketable securities (*) 20,337 35,122 Investments in affiliated companies 4,225 2,572 Property and equipment, net 3,656 3,111 Goodwill 2,822 2,266 Intangible assets, net 3,828 2,594 ------------- ------------- Total Long-Term Assets 35,155 47,020 ------------- ------------- Total Assets 281,286 269,276 ============= ============= CURRENT LIABILITIES Trade Payables 8,675 7,734 Other accounts payable and accrued expenses 25,587 24,738 ------------- ------------- Total Current Liabilities 34,262 32,472 LONG-TERM LIABILITIES Deferred Revenues 3,140 4,991 Warranty Accruals 1,117 730 Accrued severance pay 171 248 ------------- ------------- Total Long-Term Liabilities 4,428 5,969 SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY 242,596 230,835 ------------- ------------- Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity 281,286 269,276 ============= ============= (*) Total Cash and Liquid Investments 217,102 203,817 Syneron Medical Ltd. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS U.S. dollars in thousands Three Months ended Twelve Months ended December 31, December 31, 2008 2007 2008 2007 (unaudited)(unaudited)(unaudited)(audited) ---------- ---------- ---------- --------- CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net income (loss) (15,872) 4,426 5,627 31,244 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 887 562 2,137 1,263 Increase (decrease) in accrued severance pay, net 2 (13) 41 (14) Decrease (increase) in trade receivables 12,132 5,307 8,104 (2,263) Decrease (increase) in other accounts receivables and prepaid expenses (1,611) 688 236 405 Decrease (increase) in inventories (1,032) 56 (3,691) (2,381) Increase in trade payables 1,920 3,769 941 1,282 Increase (decrease) in other account payables and accrued expenses 665 1,473 (771) 3,915 Impairments of available-for-sale marketable securities 760 5,776 1,553 5,776 Gain on available-for-sale marketable securities (57) (1,259) (192) (1,059) Equity based compensation 2,192 443 7,592 7,809 Loss on sales of property and equipment - 8 - 8 Increase (decrease) in deferred revenues and warranty accruals (885) 204 (1,379) 1,771 ---------- ---------- ---------- --------- Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities (899) 21,440 20,198 47,756 ---------- ---------- ---------- --------- CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES Maturity of long-term deposits - - 1,000 5,000 Purchase of available-for-sale marketable securities (2,664) (32,716) (183,103) (152,568) Proceeds from sale and redemption of available-for-sale marketable securities 56,132 45,169 196,988 138,542 Payments for investments in of Affiliated Companies (350) (1,550) (1,653) (2,572) Purchase of Intangible Assets (16) - (56) - Net cash paid in conjunction with acquisition of a subsidiary (500) - (500) - Acquisition of minority shares in a subsidiary (500) (44) (500) (3,554) Investment in long-term deposits and others - (5) (50) (25) Proceeds from sale of property and equipment - 10 - 10 Purchase of property and equipment (417) (788) (1,247) (2,272) ---------- ---------- ---------- --------- Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 51,685 10,076 10,879 (17,439) ---------- ---------- ---------- --------- CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES Repurchase of ordinary shares from shareholders at cost - (7,199) (1,927) (7,199) Reimbursement of share issuance expenses 588 - 588 - Proceeds from exercise of stock options and RSUs - 39 4 3,470 ---------- ---------- ---------- --------- Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 588 (7,160) (1,335) (3,729) ---------- ---------- ---------- --------- Increase in cash and cash equivalents 51,374 24,356 29,742 26,588 Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period 20,992 18,268 42,624 16,036 ---------- ---------- ---------- --------- Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period 72,366 42,624 72,366 42,624 ---------- ---------- ---------- --------- Syneron Medical Ltd. Reconciliation Between GAAP To Non-GAAP Consolidated Statement Of Income U.S. dollars in thousands, except per share data Three Months ended Twelve Months ended December 31, December 31, 2008 2007 2008 2007 (unaudited)(unaudited)(unaudited)(audited) ---------- ---------- ---------- --------- Operating (Loss) Income (GAAP) (15,692) 8,821 (244) 31,025 Non-GAAP adjustment: Stock based compensation 2,192 443 7,592 7,809 ---------- ---------- ---------- --------- Non-GAAP operating (Loss) Income (13,500) 9,264 7,348 38,834 Net (Loss) Income (GAAP) (15,872) 4,426 5,627 31,244 Non-GAAP adjustment: Stock based compensation 2,192 443 7,592 7,809 ---------- ---------- ---------- --------- Non-GAAP Net (Loss) Income (13,680) 4,869 13,219 39,053 Non-GAAP net (Loss) Income per share: Basic net (Loss) Income per share (0.50) 0.18 0.48 1.41 Diluted net (Loss) Income per share (0.50) 0.18 0.47 1.40 Weighted average number of shares used in per share calculation (in thousands): Basic 27,460 27,699 27,410 27,690 Diluted 27,460 27,802 27,887 27,880 ========== ========== ========== =========