Print   

Monday 08 September, 2008

Akers Biosciences

Interim Results

RNS Number : 8246C
Akers Biosciences, Inc.
08 September 2008
 

Embargoed: 0700hrs, 8 September 2008


Akers Biosciences, Inc.


('ABI' or the 'Company')


Interim results for the half year ended 30 June 2008


Akers Biosciences, Inc., a leading designer and manufacturer of rapid diagnostic screening and testing products, is pleased to announce its interim results for the half year ended 30 June 2008, demonstrating that the Company has delivered its first net profit since incorporation and is on course to meet market expectations for the full year.


Highlights


  • Revenues of $3,433,129 represent a 61% increase over revenues in the same period last year (H1 2007: $2,127,537)

  • ABI produced  EBITDA of $1.4 million 

  • First net profit in Company history: $251,008 (H1 2007: loss of  $807,409)

  • Company is long-term debt free; current assets in cash and cash equivalents totaled $5,112,633, an almost 400% increase from the same period in the prior year (H1 2007: $1,306,706)

  • The Company's equity position increased by $12,730,441 in the prior 12 months with $10,049,677 being realized in the half year ended 30 June 2008

  • Gross margins have increased to 67% (H1 2007: 51%)

  • Inventory has been reduced by 36% 

  • Fixed costs have been reduced by a further 15% from H1 2007




Thomas A. Nicolette, President and CEO, commented,


'Since the equivalent period one year ago, ABI has been transformed from a negative net worth of $3.1m to a positive net worth of $9.6m, a $12.7m turnaround. The business is profitable from operations and generating positive cash flow. Our products have high volume potential in established markets, and the Company has a rich development pipeline of diagnostic tests with blockbuster potential.


We look forward with excitement and optimism to accelerating our sales in existing markets and breaking into new territories worldwide with blue-chip distribution partners.'


Enquiries:


Akers Biosciences, Inc

Thomas A. Nicolette, President and Chief Executive Officer 

+1.856.848.8698


M: Communications

Ben Simons/Eleanor Williamson

+44 (0)20 7153 1540


Arbuthnot Securities Limited

Alasdair Younie

+44 (0)20 7012 2139



STATEMENT by Chairman and Chief Executive Officer


Introduction


We are pleased to report interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2008 for ABI for a period in which sales increased significantly over the same period in 2007.


Results


Revenues for the half year ended 30 June 2008 were $3,433,129, compared with $2,127,537 during the same period in 2007The Company achieved EBITDA of $1,400,000 and a net profit of $251,008. This is the first period in its history that the Company has reported a net profit.


The revenues continue to be dominated by sales of alcohol breathalyzer units and the PIFA® Heparin/Platelet Factor 4 Rapid Assay (PIFA® HPF4) device which continues to gain traction in the USA.


The combined effect of profitable trading and investment of £2.275 million in June 2008 from Saltburn Limited, a consortium of private investors, have generated a cash balance of $5,112,633 as at 30 June 2008, compared to $1,306,706 at the half year in 2007. As suchABI's total assets increased by 62% to $11.5 million (H1 2007:$7.1 million). The Company has repaid all borrowings and is now debt free. 


Further streamlining of fixed overheads has led to another reduction of 15% in costs from H1 2007. The benefits of which, combined with the economics of higher volume manufacturing, have improved gross margins from 51% in the first half of 2007 to 67%. Research and development expenses have been cut in half reflecting ABI's new model of pursuing predominantly funded development programmes.


Management has reduced the volume of inventory held by the Company by approximately 36% compared to the same period in 2007thereby producing an inventory turn ratio of 7 for the first half of 2008.


Share Issues


In June 2008, Brittany Capital, a US hedge fund, which had supported the Company's development through a series of convertible loans, opted to convert its full outstanding loan and accrued interest into 22,768,824 common shares of nil par value


At the same time, 17,500,000 common shares of nil par value were issued to Saltburn Limited, in return for new investment in ABI of £2.275 million. 


Certain Directors opted to receive remuneration in the form of shares during the period totaling 50,623 common shares of nil par value, whilst Directors and senior management made purchases of stock, either by converting warrants and options, or through the Direct Purchase Plan, resulting in the issue of 2,736,002 common shares of nil par value.


Also, 1,171,060 common shares were issued in the period in consideration of a Promissory Note. 


Business and Product Development Review


During the first half of 2008, ABI continued to focus on: 


  • broadening the usage of the Company's custom designed BreathScan® key chain units and detector refills within the United States Military's Personally Owned Vehicle (POV) safety program.  Additional relationships with organisations that have ties with colleges and universities in the United States have been forged in an effort to further expand ABI's alcohol safety program in new markets;

  • the market share expansion of the PIFA®Heparin/PF4 Rapid Assay, the only US FDA approved rapid, manual device that screens for the detection of a potentially life-threatening 'allergy' to the widely prescribed blood thinner, Heparin.  In Q2 2008, ABI successfully released the 2nd generation of the assay which incorporates a number of user benefits including enhanced readability and an even quicker time-to-result.  ABI continued to support the selling efforts of its established distribution partners, the Specialty Products division of Cardinal Health and Corgenix Medical Corporation, to increase product adoption in the hospital marketplace.  In addition, on 26 June 2008, ABI announced the initiation of a new distribution arrangement with Trinity Biotech plc commencing on 1 July 2008. This alliance further strengthens ABI's representation in the US and opens the door to the German clinical laboratory marketplace, thus highlighting the increasing worldwide medical importance of the test; 

  • the funded development of a Free Radical breath condensate test (the Free Radical Enzymatic Device or 'FReD™') to be used in conjunction with nutraceutical therapy. Free radicals are naturally occurring substances that are implicated in numerous disease processes, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and arthritis. This test, which incorporates ABI's MPC Biosensor Technology with an electronic reader, is designed to monitor the efficacy and dosing requirements of anti-oxidant nutraceuticals which are said to help combat the damaging effects of free radicals;

  • the development of several high priority rapid assays related to the US Military and government-driven Public Health initiatives. The rapid and accurate testing of donor and recipient blood for typing compatibility is essential for the prevention of hemolytic transfusion reactions, especially in critical scenarios such as combat casualty care.  ABI continues to develop several versions of the Battlefield Blood Transfusion Card for Military useIn addition, Highly Pathogenic Infectious Agents (HPIA) such as the Avian Flu pose a significant risk to any healthcare system. There is an urgent need to develop a rapid, screening test to detect highly pathogenic infections anywhere, at any time to help ensure the containment of the disease and facilitate immediate medical treatment of those infected.  The Company has initiated discussions with US government entities to apply its Particle ImmunoFiltration Assay (PIFA®) technology to the development of a Point of Care HPIA rapid test using easy to acquire nasal and finger stick specimens.


On 14 July 2008, ABI announced a licensing agreement with ReliaLAB, a point-of-care diagnostic systems specialist based in New York CityUSA, to license the Company's Lithium 'Check' System. ReliaLAB have agreed to pay ABI $512,000 to obtain and maintain, in perpetuity, the rights to use the Lithium 'Check' System CLIA-Waived product and certain inventory developed by ABI. The Company also announced that it is in advanced negotiations with ReliaLAB, Inc. to enter into a supply agreement to produce the Lithium 'Check' System CLIA-Waived product for them representing a potential additional, future revenue stream. 

 


Current Trading and Outlook  

The Company has achieved significant milestones in the first half of 2008 demonstrating ABI's commitment to becoming a streamlined corporate entity that delivers measurable financial results. The strength of ABI's equity position, the elimination of all debt and the recognition of the first net profit from operations in the Company's history is a testament to the effectiveness of ABI's 2008 business plan.  ABI is committed to continuing the strong momentum established in H1 2008 to increase revenues and shareholder value throughout 2008 and beyond.



David WilbrahamChairman 

Thomas A. Nicolette, President and Chief Executive Officer 

8 September 2008



Income Statement



Six Months


Six Months


ended


ended


30-Jun-08


30-Jun-07


$


$





Revenue

  3,433,129 


  2,127,537 

Cost of sales

  (1,128,334)


  (1,048,626)





Gross profit (loss)

  2,304,795 


  1,078,911 









Administrative expenses

  1,465,942 


  1,614,239 

Research and Development expenses

  132,347 


  272,081 


  1,598,289 


  1,886,320 





Income/(loss) from operations

  706,506 


  (807,409)





Currency translation (expense)

  (1,234)


  (281)


Interest Income

   10,464 



0

Interest Expense

  (464,728)


  (311,653)





Income/(loss) before income taxes

  251,008 


  (1,119,343)





Income taxes

0


0

Net Income/(loss) for the period

  251,008 


  (1,119,343)









Basic and diluted Income/(loss) per share

0.00


-0.02





Weighted average basic & diluted common shares outstanding

  74,002,981 


  60,772,432 






Cash Flows from Operating Activities




Six Months


Six Months



ended


ended



30-Jun-08


30-Jun-07



$


 $ 






Income (Loss) for the period 


  251,008 


  (1,119,343)






Interest expense recognised in statement of operations 


  464,728 


  311,653 

Noncash share based compensation


  453,834 


  247,841 

Depreciation and amortization of non-current assets 


  232,036 


  78,431 



  1,401,606 


  (481,418)






(Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables 


  (648,829)


  208,729 

(Increase)/decrease in inventories


  248,171 


  458,322 

(Increase)/decrease in other assets


  (20,584)


  (224,336)

Increase in deferred revenue


  25,000 


  (36,000)

Increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables 


  (332,995)


  264,619 



  (729,237)


  671,334 






Interest paid


  (47,366)


  (50,477)








  625,003 


  139,439 
















Purchases of property, plant and equipment 


  (125,298)


  (22,540)

Capitalised development costs


  (285,000)



Purchase of intangible assets


  - 


  (1,475,606)








  (410,298)


  (1,498,146)











Proceeds from issuance of ordinary shares


  4,598,570 


  8,700 

Proceeds from new borrowings


  - 


  1,442,734 

Repayments of borrowings


  (1,004,552)


  (85,540)

Repayments of obligations under finance leases


  (2,796)


  (6,585)








  3,591,222 


  1,359,309 






Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents


  3,805,927 


  602 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period


  1,306,706 


  41,142 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period


  5,112,633 


  41,744 
















Non-cash investing and financing activities:










Conversion of debt and accrued interest payable into common stock


 $4,869,951 


 $ 104,019 






Recognition of share based payments


 $ 330,137 


 $ 247,841 






Issuance of stock for acquisition


 $ - 


 $ 148,365 







Balance Sheet



30-Jun-08


31-Dec-07


$


$

ASSETS




Non-current assets




Property, plant and equipment

264,991


  210,503 

Intangible assets, net

2,886,108


  2,404,282 

Deferred financing costs

  49,978 


  -  

Other assets

24,851


  12,633 





Total non-current assets

3,225,928


  3,035,446 





Current assets




Inventories

  449,327 


  697,498 

Trade and other receivables

2,570,896


1,922,067

Cash and cash equivalents

5,112,633


1,306,706

Other assets

102,286


93,920

Total current assets

8,235,142


4,020,191





Total assets

11,461,070


7,055,637










30-Jun-08


31-Dec-07


$


$

EQUITY (DEFICIT)








Share capital

  76,342,214 


  66,543,545 

Accumulated deficit

  (66,735,915)


  (66,986,923)


 


 

Total equity (deficit)

  9,606,299 


  (443,378)









LIABILITIES








Non-current liabilities




Borrowings

  322,260 


  346,097 

Obligations under finance leases 

  - 


  - 





Total non-current liabilities

  322,260 


  346,097 





Current liabilities




Trade and other payables

  1,319,685 


  1,692,160 

Borrowings

  187,826 


  5,335,347 

Deferred revenue

  25,000 


  - 

Accrued interest payable

  - 


  125,411 


 


 

Total current liabilities

  1,532,511 


  7,152,918 





Total liabilities

  1,854,771 


  7,499,015 





Total equity and liabilities

  11,461,070 


  7,055,637 






Changes in Equity




$

$

$

$



Share capital

Capital reserves

Accumulated deficit


Total equity

Balance at 31 December 2006

62,593,546


(65,262,085)

(2,668,539)






Changes in equity (deficit) for six months ended 30 June 2007











 




Loss for the period



(1,119,343)

(1,119,343)






Total recognised income and expense for the period


62,593,546


-


(66,381,428)


(3,787,882)






Recognition of share based payments

247,841



247,841

Issuance of shares for conversion of debt and interest


415,899




415,899






Balance at 30 June 2007

63,257,286

-

(66,381,428)

(3,124,142)





















Balance at 31 December 2007

66,543,545


(66,986,923)

(443,378)






Changes in equity (deficit) for six months ended 30 June 2008















Income for the period 



251,008

251,008






Total recognised income and expense for the period


66,543,545


-


(66,735,915)


(192,370)






Recognition of share based payments

330,147



330,147

Issuance of shares for conversion of debt and interest


4,869,951




4,869,951

Sale of ordinary shares

4,566,710



4,566,710

Exercise of warrants and stock options

31,861



31,861






Balance at 30 June 2008

76,342,214

-

(66,735,915)

9,606,299



Notes


1 - Basis of Presentation


The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance and compliance with all the requirements of International Financial Reporting Standards. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the interim six month period ended 30 June 2008 are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for the year ending 31 December 2008. For further information, refer to the Company's audited financial reports for the year ended 31 December 2007.


2 - Accounting Policies and Methods of Computation


The same accounting policies and methods of computation have been followed in the reporting of these interim financial statements as compared to those reported in the 2007 Annual Report of Operations. Please refer to notes 1 through 6 of the 2007 Annual Report of Operations for these details.




3 - Property Plant and Equipment


During the first six months of 2008 the company invested $64,929 (2007:$13,492) in new machinery & equipment, molds, dies and computer equipment. The Company also invested an additional $60,369 (2007:$0) in leasehold improvements, furniture and fixtures. 

4 - Litigation


On 7 January 2008 the Company settled an action brought by CTS Distributing, Inc. The settlement consisted of a cash payment of $50,000 and the issue of 500,000 common shares of nil par value of the Company. This settlement was provided for in the financial reports for 2007.


5 - Loans and Borrowings


On 14 January 2008 the Company issued 1,171,060 common shares of nil par value to satisfy payment or respect of a promissory note due on 22 November 2007. The outstanding balance of that note was $175,000.


On 11 June 2008 Brittany Capital Management, Ltd. ('BCM') opted to convert ABI's entire debt and interest accrued, valued at $4,553,710, into 22,768,824 common shares of nil par value in the Company. During the first six months of 2007 BCM converted $415,899 of debt and accrued interest into 624,888 common shares of nil par value in the Company.


On 30 June 2008 the Company paid $985,000 against the secured bank facility satisfying the open balance.


Subsequent to these interim statements, the Company has paid $377,888 to the SBA satisfying the entire balance and accrued interest due on the long term debt obligation.


6 - Capital


On 14 June 2000 a consortium of private investors, acting through Saltburn Limited, a company incorporated in the Channel Islands, invested $4,441,710 (£2.275m) into the Company, by way of a subscription for 17,500,000 new common shares of nil par value.


During the first six months of 2008 investment by current and former employees of the Company though the exercising of options and warrants resulted in the issuance of 2,236,052 common shares of nil par value for $31,860. Edward Mulhare, a member of the Board of Directors, purchased 455,950 common shares of nil par value for $330,148.


7 - Earnings per share


Basic earnings per share have been calculated by dividing the income for the six months ended 30 June 2008 of $251,008 (2007: $1,119,343 loss) by the weighted average number of shares in issue during the six months ended 30 June 2008 of 74,002,981 (2007: 60,772,432).


This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
 
END
 
 
IR FKPKBCBKKOCK

Investegate takes no responsibility for the accuracy of the information within the site.


The announcements are supplied by the denoted source. Queries about the content of an announcement should be directed to the source. Investegate reserves the right to publish a filtered set of announcements. NAV, EMM/EPT, Rule 8 and FRN Variable Rate Fix announcements are filitered from this site.



Investegate      © 2012 FE. All rights reserved.