AMERICAN SHARED HOSPITAL SERVICES (NYSE MKT:AMS), a
leading provider of turnkey technology solutions for advanced
radiosurgical and radiation therapy services, today announced financial
results for the second quarter and first half of 2015.
Second Quarter Highlights:
● Revenue increased 38.2% compared to the second quarter of 2014,
excluding prior year's revenue in Turkey.
● Operating income increased to $478,000 versus an operating loss of
$602,000 last year.
● The net loss of $1,970,000, or $0.36 per share, included a $2,114,000
($0.39 per share) non-cash write-down of AMS' equity investment in
Mevion Medical Systems. Excluding the non-cash write-down, second
quarter net income was $144,000, or $0.03 per share. For the second
quarter of 2014, the net loss was $927,000, or $0.20 per share.
Second Quarter Results
For the three months ended June 30, 2015, medical services revenue
increased 30.0% to $4,394,000 compared to medical services revenue of
$3,379,000 for the second quarter of 2014. Revenue for last year's
second quarter included the Company's operations in Turkey, which were
sold effective May 31, 2014. Excluding prior year's revenue in Turkey,
medical services revenue increased 38.2% for the second quarter of 2015
compared to the second quarter of 2014.
The Company incurred a net loss of $1,970,000, or $0.39 per share, for
the second quarter, solely attributable to an impairment charge of
$2,114,000, or $0.39 per share, related to AMS' strategic equity
investment in Mevion Medical Systems. Excluding this charge, the Company
would have reported net income of $144,000, or $0.03 per share for the
quarter. This compares to a net loss for the second quarter of 2014 of
$927,000, or $0.20 per share, which included a pre-tax loss on the sale
of the Turkey subsidiary of $572,000 and a pre-tax gain from foreign
currency transactions of $146,000 due to the strengthening of the
Turkish Lira against the U.S. Dollar.
The total number of procedures performed in AMS' U.S. Gamma Knife
business increased 27.6% for the second quarter compared to the same
period of 2014, excluding procedures performed in Turkey.
Medical services gross margin for the second quarter of 2015 increased
to 41.0%, compared to medical services gross margin of 25.0% for the
second quarter of 2014, primarily the result of increased treatment
volume, higher Medicare reimbursement for certain Gamma Knife
procedures, and lower costs due to the sale of the Turkish subsidiary.
Operating income increased to $478,000 for the second quarter of 2015
compared to an operating loss of $602,000 for the same period a year
earlier. Pretax income, net of income attributable to non-controlling
interest, increased to $250,000 (excluding the impairment charge) for
the second quarter of 2015 compared to a pretax loss of $893,000 for the
second quarter of 2014.
Selling and administrative expenses for the second quarter of 2015
increased to $979,000 compared to $937,000 for the second quarter of
2014, primarily due to higher legal and audit fees.
First Half Results
For the six months ended June 30, 2015, medical services revenue
increased 14.3% to $8,511,000 compared to medical services revenue of
$7,443,000 for the first six months of 2014. Excluding prior year's
revenue in Turkey, medical services revenue increased 23.1% for this
year's first half compared to the first half of 2014.
For the six months ended June 30, 2015, the Company incurred a net loss
of $1,842,000, or $0.34 per share. The loss was solely attributable to
an impairment charge of $2,114,000, or $0.39 per share, related to AMS'
strategic equity investment in Mevion Medical Systems. Excluding this
charge, the Company would have reported net income of $272,000, or $0.05
per share for the six months. This compares to a net loss for the first
half of 2014 of $1,023,000, or $0.22 per share, which included a pre-tax
loss on the sale of the Turkey subsidiary of $572,000 and a pre-tax gain
on foreign currency transactions of $161,000.
The total number of procedures performed in AMS' U.S. Gamma Knife
business increased 17.4% for the first six months of 2015 compared to
the same period of 2014, excluding procedures performed in Turkey.
Operating income increased to $934,000 for the first half of 2015
compared to an operating loss of $705,000 for last year's first half.
Balance Sheet Highlights
At June 30, 2015, cash and cash equivalents were $1,798,000 compared to
$1,059,000 at December 31, 2014. As of December 31, 2014, AMS had a
$9,000,000 renewable line of credit with a bank secured by a certificate
of deposit. This line was paid in full on January 2, 2015 using the
proceeds from the certificate of deposit. As a result, current
liabilities decreased to $8,902,000 at June 30, 2015 compared to
$16,251,000 at December 31, 2014. Shareholders' equity at June 30, 2015
was $24,602,000, or $4.59 per outstanding share. This compares to
shareholders' equity at December 31, 2014 of $26,154,000, or $4.88 per
outstanding share.
CEO Comments
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ernest A. Bates, M.D., said, "Under
generally accepted accounting principles, the recent cancellation of
Mevion Medical System's initial public offering required us to recognize
the impairment in the value of our strategic equity investment in the
company. We continue to believe strongly in Mevion's long-term prospects
based on the demonstrated clinical potential of its advanced, single
treatment room MEVION S250™ proton therapy system. Mevion has
manufactured and delivered six proton therapy systems to date, and has
added strong healthcare venture capital firms to its investor base
through multiple financing rounds. In the end, therefore, this
impairment was based on accounting rules only, and we remain optimistic
about our investment as an economic and financial matter.
"Operationally procedure volumes remained robust in the second quarter,
which together with higher Medicare reimbursement for certain Gamma
Knife procedures compared to 2014, drove a substantial increase in
revenue for the period. Gross margin increased, reflecting the better
pricing environment and a favorable mix of procedures by location. With
the payoff of our line of credit in January, the sale of EWR Turkey in
May 2014, and the pay-down of one of the Company's existing debt
obligations at the end of 2014, interest expense decreased
significantly. These factors combined to produce a solid increase in
operating and net income for this year's second quarter versus prior
year. Underlying these gains is the fact that the Gamma Knife Perfexion
remains the 'gold standard' for cranial radiosurgery. The device is
particularly well-suited to treat metastatic brain tumors, diagnosed in
an estimated 180,000 new patients annually.
"While it is premature to make any assumptions regarding Medicare
reimbursement for 2016, recently the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid
Services (CMS) announced proposed reimbursement rates for next year. CMS
is proposing a modification of the comprehensive APC for both Gamma
Knife and LINAC one session cranial radiosurgery. The proposed
comprehensive reimbursement rate of approximately $7,347 will be
inclusive of the delivery and certain ancillary codes but exclusive of
co-insurance payments or other adjustments. CMS further proposes that
effective in 2016, treatment planning and MRI treatment imaging codes
again be billed and reimbursed separately. The average proposed 2016 CMS
reimbursement rate for delivery and separately reimbursable ancillary
codes (exclusive of co-insurance and other adjustments) is estimated at
$8,827 compared to the current rate of $9,768, a decrease of 9.6%. Also,
the proposed proton therapy delivery code rates per daily session are
$519, a 2.1% increase ($508 in 2015) for a simple treatment without
compensation, $1,152, a 7.5% increase ($1,072 in 2015) for a simple
treatment with compensation, and $1,152, a 7.5% increase ($1,072 in
2015) for an intermediate or complex treatment. I emphasize that these
reimbursement rates are preliminary and may change when CMS announces
the final rates later this year.
"We remain optimistic about our Gamma Knife business, but proton therapy
remains our primary strategic emphasis for the future. Our first proton
center, now under construction at UF Health Cancer Center at Orlando
Health, is expected to begin treating patients in first quarter 2016. We
are in discussions with other hospitals around the country that have
expressed interest in partnering with AMS to develop proton centers of
their own, also employing the MEVION S250 proton therapy system now
being installed at UF Health Cancer Center at Orlando Health.
"Mevion has reported outstanding clinical results from its proton
systems already treating patients at cancer centers in St. Louis and
Jacksonville, and most recently at Robert Wood Johnson University
Hospital in New Brunswick, New Jersey. The systems' reliability and
patient throughput are meeting expectations, and the devices have
demonstrated their ability to treat a diverse and complex array of
cancers in both children and adults. We believe that the clinical
advantages of proton technology in the treatment of a wide range of
cancers will support a robust economic return for the Mevion device,
even with its relatively high purchase price and long lead time required
to get the system up and running compared to other radiotherapy devices.
This is why we are confident that we can launch additional proton
projects in short order once appropriate financing is available, a
project we are pursuing diligently with several potential lenders.
"Our confidence was bolstered by Mevion's recent announcement that it
has entered into an investment agreement where up to $200 million will
be invested in Mevion to accelerate its worldwide expansion. The
investment will facilitate an increase in manufacturing capacity and
global service capability to support the installation of new proton
therapy sites in the U.S. and internationally. Mevion also said that it
plans to form a joint venture in China with its new investors, HOPU
Investments and YuanMing, to expand access to proton therapy in that
country. We are pleased by these developments because the substantial
cash investment and proposed China joint venture are additional signs of
support for the global expansion of the market for proton therapy."
Earnings Conference Call
American Shared has scheduled a conference call at 12:00 p.m. PDT (3:00
p.m. EDT) today. To participate in the live call, dial (800) 351-9852 at
least 5 minutes prior to the scheduled start time. A simultaneous
WebCast of the call may be accessed through the Company's website, www.ashs.com,
or through CCBN, www.earnings.com
(individual investors) or www.streetevents.com
(institutional investors). A replay will be available for 30 days at
these same internet addresses, or by calling (888) 843-7419, pass code
4050 9234#.
About AMS
American Shared Hospital Services provides turnkey technology solutions
for advanced radiosurgical and radiation therapy services. AMS is the
world leader in providing Gamma Knife radiosurgery equipment, a
non-invasive treatment for malignant and benign brain tumors, vascular
malformations and trigeminal neuralgia (facial pain). The Company also
offers the latest IGRT and IMRT systems, as well as its proprietary
Operating Room for the 21st CenturySM concept. AMS owns a
common stock investment in Mevion Medical Systems, Inc., developer of
the compact MEVION S250 Proton Therapy System.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release may be deemed to contain certain forward-looking
statements with respect to the financial condition, results of
operations and future plans of American Shared Hospital Services, which
involve risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, the risks
of the Gamma Knife and radiation therapy businesses, the risks of
developing The Operating Room for the 21st Century program, the risks of
investing in a development-stage company, Mevion Medical Systems, Inc.,
and the risks of the timing, financing, and operations of the Company’s
proton therapy business. Further information on potential factors
that could affect the financial condition, results of operations and
future plans of American Shared Hospital Services is included in the
filings of the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
including the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2014, its quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the three
months ended March 31, 2015, and the definitive Proxy Statement for the
Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on June 16, 2015.
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Selected Financial Data
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(unaudited)
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Summary of Operations Data
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|
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|
|
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|
|
|
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Three months ended
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Six months ended
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June 30,
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June 30,
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|
|
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2015
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2014
|
|
2015
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2014
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Medical services revenue
|
|
$
|
4,394,000
|
|
|
$
|
3,379,000
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|
|
$
|
8,511,000
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|
|
$
|
7,443,000
|
|
|
Costs of revenue
|
|
|
2,592,000
|
|
|
|
2,534,000
|
|
|
|
5,112,000
|
|
|
|
5,309,000
|
|
|
Gross margin
|
|
|
1,802,000
|
|
|
|
845,000
|
|
|
|
3,399,000
|
|
|
|
2,134,000
|
|
|
Selling & administrative expense
|
|
|
979,000
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|
|
|
937,000
|
|
|
|
1,800,000
|
|
|
|
1,859,000
|
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
345,000
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|
|
|
510,000
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|
|
|
665,000
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|
|
|
980,000
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Operating income (loss)
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|
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478,000
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|
|
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(602,000
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)
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|
|
934,000
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|
|
|
(705,000
|
)
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(Loss) on sale of subsidiary
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|
|
--
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|
|
|
(572,000
|
)
|
|
|
--
|
|
|
|
(572,000
|
)
|
|
Gain on foreign currency transaction
|
|
|
--
|
|
|
|
146,000
|
|
|
|
--
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|
|
|
161,000
|
|
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Other income <loss>
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|
|
(2,109,000
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)
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|
|
6,000
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|
|
|
(2,103,000
|
)
|
|
|
15,000
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|
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Loss before income taxes
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|
|
(1,631,000
|
)
|
|
|
(1,022,000
|
)
|
|
|
(1,169,000
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)
|
|
|
(1,101,000
|
)
|
|
Income tax expense
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|
|
106,000
|
|
|
|
34,000
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|
|
|
236,000
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|
|
|
4,000
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Net loss
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$
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(1,737,000
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)
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|
$
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(1,056,000
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)
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|
$
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(1,405,000
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)
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$
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(1,105,000
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)
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|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
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Less: Net (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interest
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|
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(233,000
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)
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|
|
129,000
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|
|
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(437,000
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)
|
|
|
82,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Net loss attributable to American Shared Hospital Services
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|
$
|
(1,970,000
|
)
|
|
$
|
(927,000
|
)
|
|
$
|
(1,842,000
|
)
|
|
$
|
(1,023,000
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Loss per common share:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Basic
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$
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(0.36
|
)
|
|
$
|
(0.20
|
)
|
|
$
|
(0.34
|
)
|
|
$
|
(0.22
|
)
|
|
Assuming dilution
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|
$
|
(0.36
|
)
|
|
$
|
(0.20
|
)
|
|
$
|
(0.34
|
)
|
|
$
|
(0.22
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Balance Sheet Data
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|
|
|
Jun. 30
|
|
|
Dec. 31
|
|
|
|
2015
|
|
|
2014
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$
|
1,798,000
|
|
|
$
|
1,059,000
|
|
Certificate of deposit
|
|
$
|
--
|
|
|
$
|
9,000,000
|
|
Current assets
|
|
$
|
6,431,000
|
|
|
$
|
14,247,000
|
|
Investment in equity securities
|
|
$
|
600,000
|
|
|
$
|
2,709,000
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|
Total assets
|
|
$
|
56,928,000
|
|
|
$
|
67,528,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities
|
|
$
|
8,902,000
|
|
|
$
|
16,251,000
|
|
Shareholders' equity
|
|
$
|
24,602,000
|
|
|
$
|
26,154,000
|
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