Completed Three Strategic Acquisitions in the Fourth Quarter of 2021
On October 6, 2021, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets of Z-Sciences Corp. (now known as North Sciences), a developer of ultra-cold storage solutions for the life sciences cold chain market. This small, tuck-in transaction enhances the Company’s technology, adds new talent and provides a low-cost entry into this fast growing, fragmented market. This business is being integrated into inTEST’s Thermal segment.
On October 28, 2021, the Company acquired Videology Imaging Solutions, a global designer, developer and manufacturer of OEM digital streaming and image capturing solutions, for approximately $12 million. The acquisition expanded the Company’s process technology offerings, diversified its reach into key target markets and broadened its customer base. This business also is being integrated into inTEST’s Thermal segment.
On December 21, 2021, the Company acquired Acculogic Inc. and its affiliates, a global manufacturer of robotics-based electronic production test equipment and application support services, for approximately $9 million. The acquisition expanded the Company’s global reach and enhanced its product portfolio with leading technologies and automation services as part of inTEST’s EMS segment.
2022 Outlook and First Quarter Guidance
inTEST expects revenue in 2022 to grow to approximately $110 million to $115 million.
Gross margin in 2022 is expected to moderate between 46% to 49% based on volume and mix in any given quarter while quarterly operating expenses are expected to range from approximately $10.5 million to $11.2 million. Expenses include intangible asset amortization expense which is currently estimated to be approximately $650,000 per quarter.
Interest expense is expected to be approximately $150,000 per quarter and the effective tax rate is expected to be approximately 15% to 17% for the year. Capital expenditures for the year are expected to remain a modest 1% to 2% of revenue.
First quarter 2022 revenue is expected to be in the range of $23 million to $25 million. First quarter 2022 net earnings per diluted share (GAAP) is expected to be in the range of $0.04 to $0.09 while adjusted net earnings per diluted share (Non-GAAP) is expected to be in the range of $0.10 to $0.15.
The foregoing guidance is based on management’s current views with respect to operating and market conditions and customers’ forecasts. It also assumes supply chain challenges remain unchanged in the first half of the year and begin to improve modestly in the second half. Actual results may differ materially from what is provided here today as a result of, among other things, the factors described under “Forward-Looking Statements” below.
Conference Call and Webcast
The Company will host a conference call and webcast today at 8:30 am ET. During the conference call, management will review the financial and operating results and discuss inTEST’s corporate strategy and outlook. A question and answer session will follow. To listen to the live call, dial (201) 689-8263. In addition, the webcast and slide presentation may be found at: https://ir.intest.com/.
A telephonic replay will be available from 11:30 am ET on the day of the call through Friday, March 11, 2022. To listen to the archived call, dial (412) 317-6671 and enter replay pin number 13725926 or access the webcast replay via the Company’s website. A transcript will also be posted to the website once available.
About inTEST Corporation
inTEST Corporation is a global supplier of innovative test and process solutions for use in manufacturing and testing in target markets which include automotive, defense/aerospace, industrial, life sciences, and security, as well as both the front-end and back-end of the semiconductor manufacturing industry. Backed by decades of engineering expertise and a culture of operational excellence, inTEST solves difficult thermal, mechanical, and electronic challenges for customers worldwide while generating strong cash flow and profits. inTEST’s strategy leverages these strengths to grow organically and with acquisitions through the addition of innovative technologies, deeper and broader geographic reach, and market expansion. For more information, visit www.intest.com.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
In addition to disclosing results that are determined in accordance with GAAP, we also disclose non-GAAP financial measures. These non-GAAP financial measures consist of adjusted net earnings (loss), adjusted net earnings (loss) per diluted share, adjusted EBITDA, and adjusted EBITDA margin. Adjusted net earnings (loss) is derived by adding acquired intangible amortization, adjusted for the related income tax expense (benefit), to net earnings (loss). Adjusted net earnings (loss) per diluted share is derived by dividing adjusted net earnings (loss) by diluted weighted average shares outstanding. Adjusted EBITDA is derived by adding acquired intangible amortization, interest expense, income tax expense, depreciation, and stock-based compensation expense to net earnings (loss). Adjusted EBITDA margin is derived by dividing adjusted EBITDA by revenue. These results are provided as a complement to the results provided in accordance with GAAP. Adjusted net earnings (loss) and adjusted net earnings (loss) per diluted share are non-GAAP financial measures presented to provide investors with meaningful, supplemental information regarding our baseline performance before acquired intangible amortization charges as this expense may not be indicative of our underlying operating performance. Adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin are non-GAAP financial measures presented primarily as a measure of liquidity as they exclude non-cash charges for acquired intangible amortization, depreciation and stock-based compensation. In addition, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin also exclude the impact of interest income or expense and income tax expense or benefit, as these expenses may not be indicative of our underlying operating performance. The non-GAAP financial measures presented in this press release are used by management to make operational decisions, to forecast future operational results, and for comparison with our business plan, historical operating results and the operating results of our peers. Reconciliations from net earnings (loss) and net earnings (loss) per diluted share to adjusted net earnings (loss) and adjusted net earnings (loss) per diluted share and from net earnings (loss) to adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin, are contained in the tables below. The non-GAAP financial measures discussed in this press release may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. The presentation of non-GAAP financial measures is not meant to be considered in isolation, as a substitute for, or superior to, financial measures or information provided in accordance with GAAP.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. These statements do not convey historical information but relate to predicted or potential future events and financial results, such as statements of our plans, strategies and intentions, or our future performance or goals, that are based upon management's current expectations. Our forward-looking statements can often be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “believes,” “expects,” “intends,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “plans,” “projects,” “forecasts,” “outlook,” “anticipates,” “targets,” “estimates,”or similar terminology. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements.
Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, any mentioned in this press release as well as the Company’s ability to execute on its 5-Point Strategy; to realize the potential benefits of acquisitions and to successfully integrate any acquired operations; to grow the Company’s presence in the life sciences, security, industrial and international markets; to manage supply chain challenges; to convert backlog to sales and to ship product in a timely manner; the success of its strategy to diversify by entering markets outside the Semi Market; the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the business, liquidity, financial condition and results of operations; indications of a change in the market cycles in the Semi Market or other markets served; changes in business conditions and general economic conditions both domestically and globally; changes in the demand for semiconductors; to borrow funds or raise capital to finance potential acquisitions or for working capital; changes in the rates and timing of capital expenditures by its customers; and other risk factors set forth from time to time in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including, but not limited to, inTEST’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020. Any forward-looking statement made by the Company in this press release is based only on information currently available to management and speaks to circumstances only as of the date on which it is made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update the information in this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events.
