Thoratec Corporation Reports 37 Percent Increase in Annual Revenues From Continuing Operations

PLEASANTON, Calif., Jan. 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Thoratec Corporation (Nasdaq: THOR), a world leader in device-based mechanical circulatory support therapies to save, support and restore failing hearts, said today that revenues from continuing operations in fiscal 2010 increased 37 percent over those in fiscal 2009.

Results from continuing operations for both the full year and fourth quarter of fiscal 2010 and 2009 exclude contributions from the companys International Technidyne Corporation (ITC) Division. Thoratec completed the divestiture of ITC in November 2010.

For the year ended January 1, 2011, revenues were $383.0 million versus $280.0 million in the prior year. Revenues for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010 were $97.6 million, an increase of 20 percent over revenues of $81.0 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009.

Net income on a GAAP basis in fiscal 2010 was $59.0 million, or $0.99 per diluted share, versus GAAP net income of $28.9 million, or $0.50 per diluted share, in fiscal 2009. Non-GAAP net income, which is described later in this press release, was $79.8 million, or $1.23 per diluted share, in fiscal 2010, versus non-GAAP net income of $53.8 million, or $0.86 per diluted share, in fiscal 2009.

This past year was marked by many successes, including FDA approval and launch of the HeartMate II® LVAS (Left Ventricular Assist System) for the Destination Therapy (DT) indication, continued improvements in clinical data in both the Bridge-to-Transplantation (BTT) and DT patient populations, and an impressive financial performance. We have also implemented a broad range of initiatives designed to further develop the market and advance our leadership position, said Gary F. Burbach, president and chief executive officer.

Our financial performance for the year was driven by strong continued adoption of the HeartMate II for DT and BTT in both North America and Europe, and we realized solid operating leverage as evidenced by our earnings growth, he noted.

The company indicated that it ended 2010 with 254 HeartMate II centers globally, an increase of 43 centers during the year, with 211 centers worldwide now utilizing its new HeartMate peripherals, which are providing important quality of life benefits to patients and generating incremental revenue growth. In addition, there are now 90 centers with CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) certification for reimbursement for DT.

As we begin 2011, we have a solid foundation upon which to build our business, and with our market development initiatives to drive referrals from cardiologists, facilitate center expansion, increase our international presence and realize continued improvements in patient outcomes, we are optimistic about our ability to achieve significant long-term growth, Burbach commented.

Additionally, Burbach continued, we have an active product pipeline that includes the continued evolution of the HeartMate II, the development of our next-generation pumpsHeartMate III, HeartMate X and PHP (Percutaneous Heart Pump)and the introduction of cross-platform breakthrough technologies designed to enhance the HeartMate II, as well as future pump platforms. We believe these market-leading innovations will drive broader adoption of our offerings and enable us to serve an expanded patient population, while resulting in improved patient outcomes and quality of life, less invasive procedures and reduced cost of care, he said.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Thoratec reported revenues of $383.0 million in 2010 versus revenues of $280.0 million in 2009. The HeartMate product line accounted for $333.1 million in revenues, a 45 percent increase over sales of $229.8 million a year ago. The Thoratec® product line, which includes the PVAD and IVAD, accounted for sales of $29.5 million, a 15 percent decline versus revenues of $34.8 million a year ago. CentriMag® Blood Pump sales in 2010 were $17.7 million, an increase of 41 percent compared to sales of $12.6 million in 2009. The balance of the companys revenues reflects contribution from its graft business. In 2010, pump sales accounted for $264.3 million, an increase of 29 percent over revenues of $204.6 million a year ago, while non-pump sales accounted for $116.0 million, an increase of 60 percent versus revenue of $72.6 million a year ago. Revenues in North America were $324.3 million, an increase of 38 percent over revenues of $234.2 million a year ago. International revenues in 2010 were $58.7 million, an increase of 28 percent compared to sales of $45.8 million in 2009. Foreign exchange rate fluctuations in 2010 had a $1.4 million unfavorable impact on revenues compared to 2009.

GAAP gross margin in 2010 was 67.7 percent versus 65.9 percent a year ago. Non-GAAP gross margin, which is described later in this press release, was 68.0 percent versus 66.2 percent in 2009. The year-over-year increase in gross margin was due to increased volume and the roll-out of our external peripherals, as well as lower inventory reserves driven by the $6.9 million of HeartMate XVE reserves recorded in 2009. These benefits were in part offset by increased warranty costs and pump to non-pump mix.

Operating expenses on a GAAP basis in 2010 were $157.8 million versus $134.6 million a year ago. On a non-GAAP basis, operating expenses in 2010 were $136.7 million versus $103.3 million in 2009. Operating expenses on a non-GAAP basis are described later in this press release. The year-over-year increase in operating expenses was due primarily to spending on product and market development initiatives, including sales force expansion and the addition of research and development personnel, as well as the PHP acquisition, which occurred in the first quarter of 2010.

On a GAAP basis, other expense was $8.9 million in 2010 versus other expense of $7.2 million in 2009. On a non-GAAP basis, other expense totaled $672,000 versus other income of $442,000 a year ago. Other income and expense on a non-GAAP basis is described later in this press release.

The companys GAAP effective tax rate in 2010 was 36.2 percent versus 32.1 percent in 2009. The non-GAAP tax rate, which is described later in this press release, was 35.2 percent in 2010 compared with 34.9 percent in 2009. The increase in the GAAP and non-GAAP effective tax rates was due to higher pre-tax income and return to provision adjustments.

Cash and investments at the end of 2010 were $469.5 million versus $331.6 million at the end of 2009. The cash balance at the end of fiscal 2010 includes proceeds of $55.0 million from the sale of ITC.

GUIDANCE FOR FISCAL 2011

The following statements are based on current expectations. These statements are forward-looking and actual results may differ materially. For a more detailed discussion of forward-looking statements, please see additional information below.

The company expects revenues will be in the range of $410-$425 million, driven by revenue growth of 10-15 percent for the HeartMate product line. Revenues for other product categories, including the Thoratec line, CentriMag and grafts, are in aggregate expected to decline by approximately 10 percent versus 2010 to approximately $45 million.

Gross margins on a GAAP basis are expected to be approximately 67.5 percent and on a non-GAAP basis gross margins are expected to be approximately 68 percent.

GAAP operating expenses are expected to increase approximately 11 to 12 percent over 2010, while non-GAAP operating expenses are expected to increase approximately 10 percent versus 2010. The projected growth in operating expenses is due primarily to investments in our technology platforms and market expansion activities.

GAAP net income per diluted share is expected to be in the range of $1.02 to $1.12 and non-GAAP net income per diluted share in 2011 is expected to be in the range of $1.35 to $1.45.

CONFERENCE CALL/WEBCAST INFORMATION

Thoratec will hold a conference call to discuss its financial results and operating activities for all interested parties at 1:30 p.m., Pacific Standard Time, (4:30 p.m., Eastern Standard Time) today. The teleconference can be accessed by calling (719) 457-2728, passcode 5849363. Please dial in 10-15 minutes prior to the beginning of the call. The webcast will be available via the Internet at http://www.thoratec.com. A replay of the conference call will be available through Thursday, February 3, via http://www.thoratec.com or by telephone at (719) 457-0820, passcode 5849363.

GAAP TO NON-GAAP RECONCILIATION

Thoratec management evaluates and makes operating decisions using various measures. These measures are generally based on revenues generated by its products and certain costs of producing those revenues, such as costs of product sales, research and development and selling, general and administrative expenses. We use the following measures, which are not calculated in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP): non-GAAP gross profit, non-GAAP gross margin, non-GAAP operating expenses, non-GAAP other income and expense, non-GAAP tax rate, non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP net income per diluted share and non-GAAP shares used to compute diluted net income per share. These are non-GAAP financial measures under Section 101 of Regulation G under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These non-GAAP financial measures are calculated by excluding certain GAAP financial items that we believe have less significance to the day-to-day operation of our business. The company has outlined below the type and scope of these exclusions and the limitations on the use of the non-GAAP financial measures as a result of these exclusions.

Management uses these non-GAAP financial measures for financial and operational decision making, including in the determination of employee annual cash incentive compensation, as a means to evaluate period-to-period comparisons, as well as comparisons to our competitors operating results. Management also uses this information internally for forecasting and budgeting, as it believes that the measures are indicative of Thoratec core operating results. Management also believes that non-GAAP financial measures provide useful supplemental information to management and investors regarding the performance of the companys business operations, provide a greater transparency with respect to key metrics used by management in its decision making, facilitate comparisons of results for current periods and guidance for future periods with our historical operating results, and assist in analyzing future trends.

Non-GAAP net income consists of GAAP net income, excluding, as applicable, the tax effected impact of share-based compensation expense, amortization of purchased intangibles, expenses associated with the retrospective adoption of the accounting for convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash upon conversion, including partial settlements in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 470-20, Debt, HeartWare transaction costs and unrealized losses on the equity conversion option included in the HeartWare loan agreement.

Non-GAAP net income per diluted share is defined as non-GAAP net income divided by the weighted average number of shares on a fully-diluted basis.

Non-GAAP shares used to compute diluted net income per share consists of GAAP shares used to compute diluted net income per share adjusted for any inclusions made in conjunction with dilutive impact of Thoratecs convertible debt instruments and any exclusions made in conjunction with the application of the two-class method for calculating net income per share.

Non-GAAP gross profit and gross margin consist of GAAP gross profit and gross margin excluding share-based compensation expense.

Non-GAAP operating expenses consist of GAAP operating expenses excluding share-based compensation expense, amortization of purchased intangibles, and HeartWare transaction costs.

Non-GAAP other income and expense consists of GAAP other income and expenses excluding expenses related to the accounting for convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash upon conversion, including partial settlements, in accordance with ASC 470-20, Debt and unrealized gains on the equity conversion option included in the HeartWare loan agreement.

Non-GAAP tax expense consists of the GAAP tax expense adjusted for the tax effect of the adjustments from GAAP net income to non-GAAP net income.

Management believes that it is useful in measuring Thoratecs operations to exclude amortization of intangibles. These costs are primarily fixed at the time of an acquisition and, unlike other fixed costs that result from ordinary operations, are the result of infrequent and irregular events.

Because of varying valuation methodologies, subjective assumptions and the variety of award types that companies can use, Thoratec management believes that providing non-GAAP financial measures that exclude share-based compensation allows investors to compare Thoratecs recurring core business operating results to those of other companies and over multiple periods. The exclusion also enhances investors ability to review Thoratecs business from the same perspective as Thoratec management, which believes that share-based compensation expense is not directly attributable to the underlying performance of the companys business operations.

Due to the subjective assumptions used to develop non-cash interest expense related to the accounting for convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash upon conversion, including partial settlements, in accordance with ASC 470-20, Debt, Thoratec management believes that providing non-GAAP financial measures that exclude such expense allows investors to compare Thoratecs recurring core business operating results to those of other companies and over multiple periods. The exclusion also enhances investors ability to review Thoratecs business from the same perspective as Thoratec management.

To enable investors to compare Thoratecs recurring core business operating results to those of other companies and over multiple periods, Thoratec has excluded the HeartWare transaction costs as they are non-recurring in nature.

There are a number of limitations related to the use of non-GAAP financial measures. First, non-GAAP financial measures exclude some costs, namely share-based compensation, that are recurring expenses. Second, share-based compensation is part of an employees compensation package and as such may be useful for investors to consider. Third, the components of costs that we exclude in our non-GAAP financial measures calculations may differ from components that our peer companies exclude when they report their results from operations.

Non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered as a substitute for measures of financial performance in accordance with GAAP. However, these measures may provide additional insight into Thoratecs financial results. Investors and potential investors are strongly encouraged to review the reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures contained within this press release with their most directly comparable GAAP financial results and not to rely on any single financial measure to evaluate our business.

The reconciliations of the forward looking non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures in the tables below include all information reasonably available to Thoratec at the date of this press release. These tables include adjustments that we can reasonably predict. Events that could cause the reconciliation to change include acquisitions and divestitures of business, goodwill and other asset impairments and sales of marketable equity securities.

The following table includes the GAAP income statement for continuing operations for the three and twelve month periods ending 2010 and 2009: